Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot (Third State)
Original title: Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot (Third State)
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas's bronze figure "Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot (Third State)" was modeled in wax around 1890–1910 and cast in bronze in 1920. It shows a nude dancer lifting one leg and gazing at the sole of her foot—a pose full of lightness and movement.
Description
A nude dancer stands on one leg, the other raised so she can inspect her sole. Her arms stretch out to the sides, lending the body tension and dynamism. The bronze surface captures muscles and bodily forms in detail. The figure rests on an irregular base that emphasizes her stability. Against a neutral white ground, all attention goes to the sculpture.
Context
In his later years, Degas devoted himself increasingly to the theme of the dancer. This sculpture was probably made between 1890 and 1910, but was only cast in bronze in 1920, after the artist's death. It belongs to a series of wax models that Degas never showed to the public during his lifetime. The posthumous bronze casting helped bring his sculptural works greater recognition.
Impact
The sculpture radiates an immediate liveliness typical of Degas's dancers. The unusual pose—looking at one's own sole—feels intimate and moving at the same time. The naturalistic rendering of the musculature and the fine surface treatment create a physical presence that holds the viewer's attention.
Technique
Cast in bronze, a material that allows high fidelity to detail and durability. Degas originally formed the figure in wax; it was only transferred to bronze posthumously. The surface shows a lively patina, and the precise modeling brings out the anatomical subtleties clearly.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)