← Degas, Edgar

The sculpture depicts a figure in a dynamic pose. One leg is lifted high with the foot pointed forward, the arms are bent at the elbows, and both hands are positioned differently - one pointed downwards and the other upwards. It portrays a dancer caught in mid-motion. The figure is sculpted in a dark brown color, and the material appears to be bronze, giving the subject a polished, metallic sheen. The sculpture is mounted on a simple rectangular base, providing a foundation to keep it upright. A metal rod provides additional support to the figure, attaching from the base to the torso. The detail in the sculpture captures the muscularity and movement of the dancer, highlighting the contours and tensions of the body's form.

Fourth Position Front, on the Left Leg

Degas, Edgar · French

c. 1885/1890

Medium
pigmented beeswax, plastiline, metal armature, cork, on wooden base
Classification
Sculpture
Period
1876 to 1900
Image size
3406 × 4420px

Description

The sculpture depicts a figure in a dynamic pose. One leg is lifted high with the foot pointed forward, the arms are bent at the elbows, and both hands are positioned differently - one pointed downwards and the other upwards. It portrays a dancer caught in mid-motion. The figure is sculpted in a dark brown color, and the material appears to be bronze, giving the subject a polished, metallic sheen. The sculpture is mounted on a simple rectangular base, providing a foundation to keep it upright. A metal rod provides additional support to the figure, attaching from the base to the torso. The detail in the sculpture captures the muscularity and movement of the dancer, highlighting the contours and tensions of the body's form.

Rights & Source

Open access image from the National Gallery of Art, released under its open access program. Metadata via the NGA Open Data Program (CC0).

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