An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Dance ClassEdgar Degas
French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris
1874
32 7/8 x 30 3/8 in. (83.5 x 77.2 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Bequest of Mrs. Harry Payne Bingham, 1986
In Edgar Degas's artwork "The Dance Class," we are welcomed into the lively world of ballet. The bright turquoise walls create a cheerful backdrop for the flurry of movement. Young dancers, dressed in delicate white tutus, are caught in various stages of practice, embodying both dedication and youthful spirit.
In the foreground, a girl stands with an expression of focused determination. She seems almost hesitant, adjusting her tutu, while others twirl gracefully in the background, capturing the energy of their rehearsal. The presence of the instructor, an older man with a cane, adds a sense of authority and nurturing. His watchful gaze shows both pride and a commitment to teaching.
Degas's use of light is striking; it softly illuminates the dancers, highlighting their costumes and the polished wooden floor. The scattered sheets of music hint at the rhythm of their movements, suggesting that ballet is not merely about dance but also about harmony and grace.
This piece captures a moment of joyful learning, where every dancer is striving to perfect their art. The atmosphere is a celebration of youth, creativity, and the infectious energy of dance, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of movement and the joy of artistic expression.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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