Before the Ballet
between 1890 and 1892 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This work is a pastel drawing depicting ballerinas in a studio or backstage setting, characteristic of Degas's focus on candid rehearsal scenes. It belongs to a series of explorations of movement and ballet culture by the artist during his later career.
Did you know?
Degas was famously obsessed with the ballet, often attending performances at the Paris Opéra not just as an audience member, but to observe the dancers behind the scenes. He preferred to capture the grueling, repetitive work of rehearsals rather than the polished performance, often focusing on dancers stretching, adjusting their costumes, or waiting for their turn. This raw, voyeuristic approach was a hallmark of his artistic vision, setting him apart from many of his Impressionist contemporaries.
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Before the Ballet
Edgar Degas, between 1890 and 1892
