Exploration of the Female Ballerinas Image in Edgar Degas’ Works: the Star (L'Étoile)
Abstract
Edgar Degas’ work on female ballerinas is one of his most famous subjects, and his paintings often cut through the gorgeous surface to show the viewer the difficulties and dark side behind the scene. Through a specific analysis of Degas’ 1876 work the star, this research analyzes Degas' images of ballerinas in the context of the life of ballerinas in 19th century Paris and Degas' painting career. Possible inner meanings are suggested, including the ballerinas' realization of self-worth, as well as escape the reality and the projection of Degas' inner thoughts. It is argued that the female ballerinas in his paintings expressed his ambition in the pursuit of art. Degas' characterization in front of and behind the scenes is likewise a confirmation of self-worth. It is argued that the new feminist-oriented art historical research needs the inspiration from Degas, with his fusion of both the identities of a feminism thinker and an artist.
References
- Broude, N. (2018). Edgar Degas and French Feminism, ca. 1880:“The Young Spartans,” the Brothel Monotypes, and the Bathers Revisited. In The Expanding Discourse (pp. 268-293). Routledge.
- Broude, N. (2018). The expanding discourse: Feminism and art history. Routledge.
- Nather, F. C., & Bueno, J. L. O. (2012). Timing perception in paintings and sculptures of Edgar Degas. KronoScope, 12(1), 16-30.
- Callen, A., & Degas, E. (1995). The Spectacular Body: Science, Method, and Meaning in the Work of Degas.
- Armstrong, C. M., & Degas, E. (1991). Odd man out readings of the work and reputation of Edgar Degas. University of Chicago Press.
- Cunningham, C. C. (1938). Two Dancers, a Pastel Edgar Degas 1834-1917. Bulletin of the Museum of Fine Arts, 36(217), 74-76.
- DeVonyar, J., Degas, E., & Kendall, R. (2002). Degas and the Dance. Harry N Abrams Incorporated.
- Safford, L. B. (1993). Mallarmé's influence on Degas's aesthetic of dance in his late period. Nineteenth-century French studies, 419-433.
- Lindsay, S. G., Barbour, D., & Sturman, S. (2010). Edgar Degas Sculpture (pp. 54-81). Washington, DC, USA: National gallery of art.
- Kendall, R., Degas, E., Druick, D. W., & Beale, A. (1998). Degas and the little dancer. Berghahn Books.