Deux Danseuses (Two Dancers), Edgar Degas, 1890

Identifying the Artwork
This piece was created by the French artist Edgar Degas. It depicts two dancers, capturing a moment of preparation before a performance.

Describing the Artwork
This artwork was executed in charcoal and red Cloze (1): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDNiJXUwMDBiJXUwMDA5JXUwMDBkJXUwMDA3 on tracing paper. In the foreground, we see two young women, both in ballet attire, preparing for a Cloze (2): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDI4JXUwMDE1JXUwMDE3JXUwMDE0JXUwMDA5JXUwMDFkJXUwMDFmJXUwMDBjJXUwMDBmJXUwMDBkJXUwMDA2 . The dancer on the left is slightly in profile, her hands on her hips as if Cloze (3): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDJiJXUwMDA3JXUwMDA2JXUwMDE3JXUwMDExJXUwMDE3JXUwMDBiJXUwMDAxJXUwMDA3JXUwMDA5 before dancing, while the dancer on the right is leaning over, watching her partner.

This Cloze (4): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDNjJXUwMDE2JXUwMDEzJXUwMDE2JXUwMDFlJXUwMDA3JXUwMDA5 may be considered a study for another work; indeed, very similar dancers appear in Degas’ Cloze (5): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDM3JXUwMDA2JXUwMDA1 paintings. The drawing lacks both foreground and Cloze (6): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDNhJXUwMDAzJXUwMDAyJXUwMDA4JXUwMDBjJXUwMDE1JXUwMDFkJXUwMDFhJXUwMDFiJXUwMDBh , focusing solely on the two dancers. Degas has Cloze (7): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDNkJXUwMDA4JXUwMDFkJXUwMDE4JXUwMDA5JXUwMDEyJXUwMDFhJXUwMDEzJXUwMDFmJXUwMDAx the arms in charcoal, as it is a study on arm positions, which are crucial for ballet.

Interpreting the Artwork
This Cloze (8): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDI4JXUwMDE5JXUwMDBjJXUwMDA2JXUwMDA2 reveals Degas’ fascination with dance and women in art, integrating elements of Impressionism. The natural posture of the dancers highlights their hard work and dedication. The Cloze (9): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDNjJXUwMDBkJXUwMDA4JXUwMDA2JXUwMDA4JXUwMDAxJXUwMDBmJXUwMDBk lines created by their arms and movements add visual dynamism. Degas invites the viewer to appreciate the beauty of ballet, while also highlighting the Cloze (10): chalkdrawingoilemphasizedstretchingdiagonalvulnerabilityperformancepiecebackground JXUwMDJlJXUwMDAzJXUwMDE5JXUwMDAyJXUwMDBiJXUwMDE3JXUwMDEzJXUwMDAzJXUwMDBiJXUwMDA1JXUwMDA1JXUwMDFkJXUwMDBk of the artists as they prepare. This work reflects a central theme for Degas: the art of movement and the portrayal of women in their professional environment.