Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Age Fourteen

[@aperson900]

You could have drawn comparisons to the paintings Degas did of women at their baths. The ungraceful postures of those nude women, entering tubs, awkwardly reaching to soap their toes, stooped and twisted, makes seeing them at once intimate and uncomfortable. This Little Dancer is iconic because it captures both the inward gaze of the young girl with the outside gaze of those for whom she performs. One dances to be seen dancing so she knows we are there, but the expressionless face is closed to us as, even this young, she keeps her womanly secrets. It is a great work of art, to be sure.

[@c7261]

Thank you for the great analysis. I'm not so sure if the vulnerability and feeling of uncomfortableness are more projections from our contemporary viewpoint rather than the artist's intention. I don't enjoy Degas work primarily because of the uncompromising air of misogyny and focus on underage girls. For me he never seems to be making a comment but rather reveling in the depictions of this oppressive world. Maybe I'm wrong. BTW Really hope you do a Tom of Finland piece one day 🤞 Thanks again.

[@magicknight13]

Totally agreed

[@Dakota0701]

fascinating analysis.....ty for educating people about art.

[@Sasha0927]

I certainly didn't associate Degas with sculpture, so hearing Dr. Harris affirm thinking of him as a painter was validating. 😅 This was a surprise! The de Mont quote was so obnoxious and narrow-minded... Maybe I'm in a forgiving mood, but I do see a kind of grace in how she's positioned. As someone who's done many stretch sessions pre- and post- workout, I can appreciate what must have felt freeing and relaxing in her stance rather than what appears awkward at a glance. She makes me want to participate with her mentally that way, perhaps extending it to what her dance routine must've been like. All of that is lovely to me, in its own strange way.

[@kerryrwalton7791]

Thank you once again for a wonderful video! I recall that part of the issue was the dancer was dressed in actual cloths adding to the scary verisimilitude.

[@Infinitegrowth-zt1mh]

Whoa! Brilliant !

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

Opening up uncomfortable conversations is such an enticing way to learn more about ourselves as well as others…..

[@titancloud]

Love this