The Ballet Class
1871-1874 Musée d'Orsay
About this artwork
This iconic oil painting depicts a rehearsal in a dance studio led by the famous ballet master Jules Perrot. It is renowned for its unconventional composition and focus on the mundane, repetitive training of dancers rather than a performance.
Did you know?
Degas was obsessed with the behind-the-scenes world of ballet, often attending rehearsals rather than performances to capture the 'real' lives of the dancers. The ballet master shown, Jules Perrot, was a real-life legendary figure in the dance world, and Degas painted him with a sense of realism that emphasizes his aging and authority amidst the youthful energy of the students.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
The Ballet Class
Edgar Degas, 1871-1874
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