Describing himself as a Realist, normally avoiding painting landscapes, but concentrating on ballet dancers and ‘modern life’, he was the odd one out.
ballet
Trained in St Petersburg, he spent much of his career in Paris, where he designed stage sets and costumes for the Ballets Russes. But there was more to his art.
He returned to painting in 1907, when he started making landscapes inspired by those first of Klimt, then of Hodler.
These fascinating works are little appreciated. Here are some clues as to their readings, including some links to contemporary novels about the dark side of the ballet – and more.
The evolution of his paintings of ballet dancers, and a look at some themes of his paintings of individual dancers and small groups.
Lurking in the shadows were well-dressed, affluent men, wearing top hats, white ties and gloves. They weren’t just there to chat.
Putting Degas’ many paintings and drawings of the ballet and its dancers into context – here are contemporary paintings.
The Eclectic Light Company 