The ballet class by edgar degas information
The ballet class by edgar degas information technology...
The Ballet Class (1871-4)
Between the little ballerinas crowded together on the steps in the background and the two dancers seen in the foreground, stretches a large empty space - contrasting with the varied and busy detail of the ballerinas and their postures - in which the dancers will later perform.
But now the space is occupied by the old ballet master (Jules Perrot) who stands there leaning on his wooden stick which he uses to beat the time.
The ballet class by edgar degas information
While a young girl in the centre of the group seems to be paying some attention to what he is saying, the rest are taking no notice.
The two dancers in the foreground are observed with a cruel and rather ironical eye. One of them, standing up and resting heavily on her ungainly feet, shows no sign of the gracefulness which she will display later on.
Interestingly, X-ray analysis of the canvas shows that Degas first painted her facing towards the viewer. By changing her position to face inwards, he reinforces the impression that we are a