On Stage III

Art Historical Context

Edgar Degas's *On Stage III* (1876–77) captures the enchanting world of the ballet, a recurring obsession for the French artist during the Impressionist era. Though Degas distanced himself from the label, his innovative prints like this one showcase his fascination with modern life, particularly the behind-the-scenes drama of the Paris Opéra. Printed on wove paper, this fourth state of five depicts women—likely ballerinas—poised on stage, evoking the fleeting grace and artificial glamour of 19th-century performance culture. Degas masterfully combined softground etching, which mimics the soft textures of costumes and fabrics; drypoint for velvety, expressive lines; and roulette for subtle tonal shading. These monoprint techniques highlight his experimental approach to printmaking, pushing beyond traditional methods to achieve painterly effects on a small scale (plate: 3 7/8 x 5 in.). Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art via the Rogers Fund in 1921, it exemplifies Degas's role in elevating prints as fine art. This intimate work invites viewers to glimpse the poised yet precarious lives of performers, reflecting broader social themes of gender and labor in Belle Époque Paris. A gem in the Drawings and Prints department, it rewards close inspection of its intricate states and evolving details.

About the Artist

Edgar Degas · 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 ...