This painting by Edgar Degas, actually done in pastel on beige laid paper, was not seen in public until 1983, before that date it was in a private collection. Now it is owned jointly by the Norton Simon Museum and the J.P. Getty Museum in Pasadena, California.
Here we see a contrast between two figures, old and young, a ballerina and her chaperone. "Waiting" is a thoughtful title, the ballerina waiting to go on the stage for performance or rehearsal, and her chaperone waiting for her to dance and then escort her home. Meanwhile, the chaperone is drawing circles in the floor with her umbrella, probably bored by the whole thing. And of course, this is a painting, like a novel, and could have been a composite from Degas's imagination. But waiting could mean so many things, but the contrast in ages, as depicted by Degas, makes this painting an interesting one to study.
Here we see a contrast between two figures, old and young, a ballerina and her chaperone. "Waiting" is a thoughtful title, the ballerina waiting to go on the stage for performance or rehearsal, and her chaperone waiting for her to dance and then escort her home. Meanwhile, the chaperone is drawing circles in the floor with her umbrella, probably bored by the whole thing. And of course, this is a painting, like a novel, and could have been a composite from Degas's imagination. But waiting could mean so many things, but the contrast in ages, as depicted by Degas, makes this painting an interesting one to study.
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| "Waiting" by Edgar Degas, c. 1882. Pastel on paper. Dover Press. Mineola, New York. |
I love this choice of painting by Degas, a peek into the Green Room or just the waiting room. . He was a master with people. I can see the youthful exasperation in the child's posture.
ReplyDeleteThis is more soothing than who appears on my blog today. . .Warhol.
Nice one. I don't see exasperation, she is checking her ankle, maybe it's hurting. It never occurred to me anyone like that would need a chaperone. Gives a different twist to the life.
ReplyDeleteShe is supposed to be checking or rubbing her ankle. Perhaps she is very young and in those days, this required a chaperone. And because they have been waiting a longer time, her chaperone is drawing those circles with her umbrella--a human touch from Degas.
DeleteYour blog more reflects the A-Zrs more than mine does, D.G. I am so not with it. It's the age thing, (mine).
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite paintings of all time. I just love it. I am surprised that I haven't known it all of my life! Now I am looking forward to 'X'. In the UK 'X Certificate means' adults only. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE to come and help Bazza celebrate his 200th fabulous post at ‘To Discover Ice’!!
I think that the X and Z letters will make interesting reading all over the A-Z Challenge!
ReplyDeleteI know that I feel sorry for the young girl. This is actually a compliment to the artist. He has drawn an emotion out of his audience.
ReplyDeleteBoth are bored and/or frustrated, for different reasons. The way their knees and feet are spread also make a statement about their state in life. I love this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. His figures are drawn so well.
DeleteAh! Finally, another dancer, what I pigeonholed Degas for all those years ago!
ReplyDeleteBut he painted more horses and nudes, I think than ballet dancers. But it is a superb painting and I had to make the letters fit.
DeleteI think they are both growing impatient with waiting. What a wonderful capture of two people doing just that.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Inger. The colors are perfect--the contrast is what makes it interesting.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much we can read into this painting. It's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about art, but LOVE this; it has such feel. I do hope you get to go to Spain. We're already putting things on the list of what we what to see and do for the next time. Though it might be a while, gotta save up a bit, and probably will try to do it a bit cheaper next time round, now that we sorta have a feel for the country.
ReplyDeleteSandy at Traveling Suitcase, where a-z continues