Accession Number
2008/2.435

Title
Danceuse sur scène, salutant

Artist(s)
Edgar Degas

Artist Nationality
French (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1891-1892

Medium & Support
aquatint and drypoint on Arches beige laid paper

Dimensions
11 13/16 in x 9 7/16 in x 9/16 in (30 cm x 23.97 cm x 1.43 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Ruth W. and Clarence J. Boldt, Jr.

Subject matter
The ballet dancer, the subject matter of this print, is probably Degas' most well known subject; he created a number of works in print, paint and bronze with this theme. In the late 19th century, ballet was not the high-brow activity it is today, therefore the subject fit into the more urbane and bohemian scenes of Parisian life also depicted by his contemporaries. As an Impressionist, this theme both allowed him a chance to experiment with line, color and movement and at the same time be a pleasurable subject matter for Degas.

This particular print came out of a series of design collaborations with the printmaker August Lauzet. After Lauzet etched and printed a number of Degas' designs for a 1881 series of etchings, L'Arte impressionniste d'après la collection privée de M. Durand-Ruel, there was a disagreement over quality. In response, Degas designed and etched a new plate for this new print, in fact a tracing of one of Lauzet's designs, in order to produce a more refined image. Here, the strong outlines contrast with the delicate texturing in drypoint and aquatint to create a more impactful image.

Physical Description
At the center of the print, a figure leans forward with her arms outstretched and one leg pointed behind. The figure wears a large, puffy skirt, with a sleevless top—she is a ballerina. The background is dark and sketchy, and the figure is outlined in strong black lines.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
Impressionist (style)
ballet (discipline)
dancers
stages (performance spaces)