Dancer Putting on Her Stockings (Second State)

Art Historical Context

Edgar Degas, the renowned French Impressionist master of movement and modernity, captured the private world of ballet dancers in this intimate bronze sculpture, *Dancer Putting on Herings (Second State)*. Modeled around 1900 the end of his life, it depicts a ballerina in a candid moment of preparation—seated, one leg extended as she adjusts her stocking. Degas's lifelong fascination with dancers shines through, revealing their off-stage humanity amid the glamour of the Paris Opéra. Cast posthumously in 1920 by the esteemed foundry A.-A. Hébrard et Cie, this bronze exemplifies Degas's sculptural experiments in wax, which he rarely exhibited during his lifetime. The "second state" refers to refined versions of his original models, preserving the fluid, off-balance poses that evoke spontaneity and the body's natural torsion—hallmarks of his innovative style blending realism with impressionistic energy. At 17-1/4 inches tall, its compact scale invites close contemplation of textures, from the dancer's taut muscles to the delicate fabric folds. A gem from the H.O. Havemeyer Collection, bequeathed to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1929, this piece underscores Degas's enduring cultural impact. It humanizes the ballerina archetype, offering 21st-century visitors a window into fin-de-siècle Parisian life and the artistry of everyday grace.

About the Artist

Edgar Degas|A.-A. Hébrard et Cie · 1834–1917

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) stands as one of the most innovative artists of the nineteenth century, whose distinctive vision transformed how modern life could be depicted on canvas. Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas in Paris to a wealthy banking family—his father French, his mother a Louisiana Creole from New Orleans—Degas received a classical education before abandoning law studies in 1855 to pursue ...