Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot (Fourth State)
Original title: Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot (Fourth State)
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas modeled the 'Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot' around 1895–1900, and a bronze cast was made in 1920. The nude dancer stands on her right leg and lifts her right foot to inspect its sole. Within Degas's series of sculptures of dancers, this work explores movement and posture.
Description
The bronze figure balances on her right leg, while the left is bent and raised so that the sole comes into view. Her arms are slightly lifted and extended, creating a flowing, dynamic pose. Shown nude, the muscular and supple forms stand out clearly. Short, curly hair frames her head. The pose wavers between tension and calm. The statue rests on an uneven, rocky base that emphasizes the natural and animated quality of the figure.
Context
In his late career, Degas devoted himself intensely to dance. During his lifetime he made only wax models; the bronze casting took place after his death in 1917. This sculpture belongs to a group of about 150 wax works that were posthumously transferred into bronze. It testifies to his interest in the human body in motion and his departure from idealized forms.
Impact
The unusual pose and the natural rendering of the body make the sculpture immediate and alive. The fact that the dancer looks at the sole of her foot creates an intimate, almost private mood and draws the viewer into the study of movement. The bronze patina gives the work a timeless, earthy quality.
Technique
The bronze casting was carried out after Degas's death by his caster. The surface has a brown patina resulting from aging and oxidation. Light falling from the side accentuates the statue's contours and textures and deepens its spatial effect.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)