Russian Dancers, 1899, Edgar Degas, pastel and brush on tracing paper. Courtesy of a private collection.

Degas: “Russian Dancers” and the Art of Pastel

GETTY CENTER

South Pavilion, Upper Level



In 1899 Edgar Degas (1834–1917) began a series of drawings and pastels depicting Russian—or more accurately, Ukrainian—folk dancers who performed in Parisian cafés during the late nineteenth century. Late in his career, Degas increasingly turned away from oil paint in favor of the brilliant, powdery medium of pastel; its ease of execution and immediacy suited his constant reworking of compositions and poses. With his unique method of applying numerous pastel layers of various pure colors, Degas created self-described “orgies of color,” daring works that pushed the medium to novel textures, effects, and hues. Russian Dancers, the centerpiece of this focused installation, is joined by other pastels, by Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Redon, and Sisley among others, all artists who were active in Paris at the turn of the century.


Learn more

Need help?

Contact us!

9 am–5 pm,
7 days a week

(310) 440-7300

VisitorServices
@getty.edu