Edgar Degas – The Dancer Taking off the Sandale, 1896 Sotheby’s

The pastel drawing presents a young woman in a moment of quiet vulnerability. She is seated on what appears to be a wooden floor, her posture suggesting weariness or contemplation. The figures attire consists of a short, fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt that fans out around her, hinting at a dancer’s costume. One sandal has been removed, resting near her feet; the gesture implies a temporary respite from performance.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by warm tones – ochres, pinks, and oranges – which imbue the scene with an intimate, almost theatrical glow. The background is rendered in loose strokes of yellow and brown, creating a hazy atmosphere that isolates the figure and directs attention to her form. The application of pastel is visible throughout; the texture is rough and immediate, contributing to a sense of spontaneity and capturing fleeting light.
The woman’s gaze is averted, directed downwards, which conveys an introspective mood. Her expression is difficult to discern precisely, but it suggests a mixture of fatigue and perhaps melancholy. The composition focuses on the figures upper body and legs, cropping out much of her surroundings. This close framing intensifies the sense of intimacy and draws attention to the details of her anatomy – the curve of her shoulder, the tension in her calf muscles.
Subtly, the work explores themes of labor and femininity within a performance context. The dancer’s costume, while suggesting glamour, also signifies the demands placed upon her body. The discarded sandal is symbolic of the effort required to maintain an illusion of grace and lightness. Theres a quiet dignity in this moment of repose, a glimpse behind the curtain of public presentation into the private reality of a performer. The drawing’s overall effect is one of poignant observation, capturing not just a physical likeness but also a psychological state.