degas47 Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

This is a full-body, bronze sculpture of a young ballet dancer posed in profile, facing left. The dancer is standing on a wooden base. She wears a fitted, sleeveless bodice in a muted gold color and a flowing, pale yellow tutu. Her dark hair is pulled back into a ponytail, adorned with a white ribbon. Her left leg is extended forward, and her right leg is bent, with her foot slightly behind her. Her arms are held loosely at her sides, with her hands gently curved. The sculpture captures a moment of delicate poise and youthful grace.
The subtext of the sculpture lies in Degas frequent exploration of the world of ballet dancers. The piece likely evokes themes of the discipline, dedication, and subtle beauty inherent in ballet. The dancers upward gaze and elegant posture suggest aspiration and perhaps the intense focus required for performance. The contrast between the dancers youthful innocence and the implied rigor of her training is a hallmark of Degas work. The sculpture can also be seen as a commentary on the ephemeral nature of performance and the often-unseen efforts behind stage perfection.