Dancers 1898

Edgar Degas created “Dancers” with pastel on paper. The powdery softness of pastel lends itself well to the fleeting world of the ballet. Notice how Degas has layered the colors, building up a rich, textured surface. The strokes are quite visible, adding a sense of immediacy. Degas favored this medium for its ability to capture light and movement. Unlike oil paint, pastel offers a directness, a lack of blending that mirrors the spontaneous gestures of dancers. Consider the labor involved, not just of Degas applying the pigment, but the unseen work of the dancers. The pastel medium allows Degas to show the effort and grace of their movements, a fitting choice for an artist who challenged the hierarchy of art and craft.