If you are a fan of dance and sculpture, you are no doubt familiar with Degas’ famous ballet dancer sculptures. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
“Upon Degas’s death in 1917, more than 150 figurative sculptures were found in his studio. Most were made of fragile wax, clay, and plastiline (a wax- and oil-based modeling material). Many had deteriorated. Only a few were preserved in copies that had been cast from them in plaster. Except for the wax Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer (Washington: NGA) none of these sculptures had been publicly exhibited during the artist’s lifetime.”
Apparently, Degas did not have the habit of creating sculptures in permanent materials, such as bronze. The Met’s website explains, “His heirs authorized that copies be cast in bronze in order to preserve the compositions and to sell them as finished works.” Degas’ friend Paul-Albert Bartholomé, a sculptor, prepared 72 of the figures for casting. This is why so many are aware of his work today.
Degas’ famous little dancers have always been a model for my art. My sculpture, TuTu, featured here, stands tall and demonstrates a certain flavor of snobbery, combined with the dancer’s beauty and sophistication. If you listen closely, you can almost imagine her breath as she is poised to take her next step.
Enjoy the 3D view of this piece in the video below. This bronze work of art, and other pieces featured on my site, are available for purchase. Contact me to discuss ordering or visit one of my affiliated galleries.
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