Dancer Putting on Her Shoe c. 1888

This is an etching made by Edgar Degas, a French artist, of a dancer putting on her shoe. The ballet, during the 19th century, was an important part of French culture. Degas was fascinated by it. While the ballet was perceived as a high art, behind the scenes, the dancers, often young working-class women, faced exploitation and social stigma. Degas's choice to depict the more private, less glamorous moments of these dancers, like putting on a shoe, offers a glimpse into their everyday lives and hints at these social realities. Degas was part of the Impressionist movement, these artists often challenged the art institutions of their time by focusing on modern, everyday subjects rather than historical or mythological scenes that were typical in academic art. Through careful study of the social context and artistic institutions of 19th-century France, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of Degas's work.