The Ballet Class
Edgar Degas
Description
This painting shows a quiet moment inside a ballet studio. A group of young ballerinas are gathered around an older man, their instructor, Jules Perrot, who's giving feedback or directions. Some of the dancers are stretching, some are adjusting their hair, and one is in mid-pose. There's no audience, no spotlight, just practice, patience, and discipline.
Analysis
Degas had his own unique style. Instead of idealizing the dancers, he focuses on natural, everyday moments like yawns, rest, slight slouching, the kind of details that make the scene feel real. The loose brushwork and soft lighting bring the room to life without being overly polished.
Degas was fascinated by movement and gesture, and here, the dancers are all at different stages of motion or rest, creating a layered and dynamic composition.
Details
- Date:1874
- Medium:Oil on canvas
- Dimensions:85 cm x 75 cm
- Location:Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France