Edgar Degas

Dancer ready to dance, the right foot forward

Paris, Model: about 1885-90; Cast: 1919-21

Bronze

56.5 x 32.2 x 21.5 cm

This figure is one of more than 30 studies made of ballerinas by Degas, his favourite subject matter. The pose suggests a ballerina in class or on the stage, and was probably inspired by dancers of the Paris Opéra. It is number 57/J out of 22 casts made posthumously from the cast of a wax model found in Degas’ studio. His models in wax and clay were a private medium, like sketches or drawings, in which he explored formal problems that fascinated him.

Purchased 1948 (No. 48.17)