Dancers in Pink

182 years ago today, Edgar Degas was born. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism; however, he rejected this label, preferring to be called a realist. On this occasion we have this superb painting of ballet dancers - enjoy!

Degas loved the subject of dance — more than half of his works depict dancers. He was a superb draftsman and particularly masterly in depicting movement, as can be seen in his renditions of dancers, racecourse subjects and female nudes. In many of his paintings of dancers they were shown backstage, or in rehearsal, thus emphasizing their status as professionals doing a job - as in today's painting. From 1870 on, Degas increasingly painted ballet subjects; they sold well and provided him with needed income after his brother's debts had left the family bankrupt. As his subject matter changed, so, too, did Degas's technique. The dark palette that had borne the influence of Dutch painting gave way to the use of vivid colors and bold brushstrokes.

see you tomorrow!

Zuzanna

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