Violinist, Study for "The Dance Lesson"
ca. 1878–79
Medium
Pastel and charcoal on green wove paper; squared for transfer in charcoal; letterpress printing on verso
Dimensions
15 3/8 x 11 3/4 in. (39.1 x 29.8 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1918
Accession Number
19.51.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
Edgar Degas, a master of capturing the backstage world of 19th-century Paris ballet created *Violinist, Study "The Dance Lesson"* 1878–79. This intimate drawing depicts a male musician poised with his violin, likely part of the orchestra that accompanied dancers in the Opéra ballet rehearsals. Degas, though associated with Impressionism, favored a realist approach, emphasizing candid moments of preparation and performance over polished spectacle. During this period, he produced numerous studies of musicians and dancers, reflecting the cultural vibrancy of Parisian theaters where music and move...
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 ...