The artwork “Dancers” by Edgar Degas, created around 1900, is a pastel piece associated with the Impressionism movement. Measuring 95.6 by 68 centimeters, this genre painting is part of the collection at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, United States.
This artwork features what appears to be a close-up scene of two ballet dancers. The composition focuses on their upper bodies showcasing the delicate posture and movement typical of ballet. The use of pastel gives the artwork a soft, texture-rich appearance, with a blend of vibrant and subdued colors that capture the light and the essence of the moment. Degas skillfully renders the dancers’ garments, hinting at the fine materials and the fluidity of their motion. The artwork’s backdrop is abstract, allowing viewers to concentrate on the interplay of colors and forms defining the dancers themselves. Degas was known for his works focusing on dancers, and this picture serves as an excellent example of his intimate, dynamic approach to the subject matter and his mastery over the pastel medium within the Impressionism genre.
