Why this Ballerina by Degas was called a Monster!

Believe it or not, this sculpture of a pretty ballerina by Degas shocked those who saw it in 1881. Degas was one of the most creative and original artists in the Impressionist movement. He experimented with different techniques, materials, he loved photography and disrespected Monet’s idea of what impressionism should essentially be. But most importantly, at every opportunity, he broke the golden rules of classical art.

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

The Met’s 1922 bronze casting has a full knee-length skirt like ballet dancers wore back in 1880s rather than the short skirts that they wore in 1920s when the bronze castings were made.

[@phoenixgrove]

Great presentation. This work by Degas always haunted me.

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

Thank you!

[@km72327]

the beeswax and real human hair is shocking to me, I imagine it almost looking like a toy doll with that brushable hair little girls like. Definitely makes me look at it differently

[@TurquoiseInk]

It's definitely shocking. Knowing I am looking at a statue of a "Little Rat", a 14 year old child that was prostituted, has definitely changed how I see this and all his works.

[@Lilsoupgremlin]

@@TurquoiseInk It's worse when you read the book about the model "Little Dancer, Age Fourteen" and realize she went missing several years after posing for Degas. There also might be organs hidden inside the original, as an Xray showed "organic material" inside, and wax was often used for organ preservation.

[@Giancarlo_DellErnia]

What a wonderful video. Thanks a lot!

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

Thank you!

[@tottiemae2258]

This was a fascinating presentation! I got to see this piece when it was on tour at the Phoenix Art Museum. I wish I had known this then. You packed that video with so much information. What an education! Thank you!

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

Thank you!

[@voyeurchamp]

Its an essential perspective you bring for the admirers of this iconic work. Cheers.

[@mysticmouse7261]

So moving so beautiful Degas a revolutionary artist.

[@abby-9921]

it’s disgusting did he want to challenge the idea or was he obsessed with it

[@kunyuan7155]

I got to know Degas and his work 3 days ago. Thanks for sharing.

[@ruthharwood3707]

Ripper?

[@sarahannepadovani]

Yeah I'm here from that video, too.

[@forrestnolan1168]

thank you for making this!

[@grindermachine8856]

Very educational brah

[@johnallen1684]

Degas' s little dancer 14 yo is my favorite piece of art . Like your first love. I am a New Orleanian and very familiar with Edgar Degas from his history there. And yes, there is another bronze of her is at NOMA on permanent display. Love at first sight!

[@TurquoiseInk]

Did you watch the video and grasp that he made a lifelike statue of a 14 year old child that was prostituted? Knowing that makes it creepy and sad to me now.

[@CynymonGirl]

We have one of her at the St. Louis Art Museum. Whose idea was it to put a real silk ribbon of the back of her braid? It looks very contrived to me.

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

well, that was Degas's original idea...

[@CynymonGirl]

@@GiovanniAloiArtifact THANK YOU so much for replying and clarifying about the ribbon. Now I love the ribbon! Thanks again

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

@@CynymonGirl My pleasure!