First Arabesque Penchée (modeled probably before 1890, cast 1920)
Original title: First Arabesque Penchée
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas modeled "Erste Arabeske penchée" probably before 1890; the bronze cast was made in 1920. The sculpture shows a dancer in an acrobatic pose: standing on a decorated base, one leg raised and one arm outstretched, in a dynamic attitude.
Description
On a flat, ornamented base stands the slender, well-trained dancer in an arabesque pose. Her left leg is lifted high, her right arm extended long, and her right foot rests on the plinth. The surface gleams black and glossy, as is typical of bronze. The arrangement feels asymmetrical and emphasizes movement and elegance. A neutral background allows the figure to stand out.
Context
In his later years, Degas devoted himself intensively to the ballet and shaped numerous dancers in wax. The bronze casts were made only after his death in 1917 by his founder; the present version is dated 1920. The arabesque penchée is a classical ballet position that Degas varied in several works.
Impact
Grace and physical tension interpenetrate and capture the moment of movement. The shiny surface and dynamic pose give the work a timeless elegance that holds the viewer's attention.
Technique
Cast in bronze from the original wax model. The polished surface shows a dark, glossy patina that clearly brings out the muscle groups and the fabric structure.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)