Two harlequins 1886

Editor: This is "Two Harlequins," a pastel drawing by Edgar Degas from 1886, housed here at the National Gallery of Ireland. I find the color choices to be a bit sad for a painting of harlequins; I wouldn't have thought pastel could convey so much subdued emotion. What do you think of this piece? Curator: It is intriguing, isn’t it? Forget the circus, it feels like the theatre backstage, doesn't it? Or the quiet before the performance? Look how Degas layers the pastel – he scratches the surface almost as if the paper itself is reflecting the harsh light. Degas is celebrated as a chronicler of dance, and, as you notice, uses pastel frequently; his use here gives a ghostlike appearance to the performers, wouldn’t you agree? I see anticipation, even trepidation, in their stance. Are we perhaps seeing their vulnerability stripped bare? Editor: Definitely. I was thinking the bright colors of the costumes would clash with the mood, but instead, the pastels almost soften them, making them look worn. Was this common for Degas? Curator: He frequently juxtaposed the vibrant with the melancholy. I always find myself asking with Degas; what’s beyond the beautiful line, the effortless pose, what is lurking in the shadows? Degas had a knack for unveiling hidden aspects, hinting at internal complexities through his deceptively simple portrayals. And tell me, do you think they are actually interacting with each other, or perhaps more alone in their own inner worlds? Editor: I think they’re in their own heads, waiting to go on. Curator: Precisely! And I think we have successfully managed to share that sentiment of emotional distance. I learned from you that it's important to sometimes expect pastels to produce serious reflections, as well as bright memories. Editor: And I learned that, despite being known for his portrayal of dancers, Degas still explores loneliness within the realm of entertainment.