Dancers 1901

Edgar Degas made this pastel drawing of dancers, maybe in the 1880s. I can imagine Degas, working and reworking the image, smudging and blending the pastel chalk, so it’s less about a perfect representation, and more about a feeling, an impression. The strokes are soft, almost hazy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The cool blues and whites of the tutus contrast with warm browns and reds in the background, like the dancers are caught in these hot, bright lights. Look at the dancer leaning over, her head resting on her arm; you can almost feel her exhaustion, the physical toll of practice. And then the dancer with the fan, upright and alert, ready to perform. It’s like Degas is capturing all these different aspects of their lives: the grace, the hard work, the fleeting moments of beauty and repose. He's in conversation with other artists like Manet, grappling with how to capture modern life, and the female figure in particular. It feels so current and alive.