Edgar Degas Dancers Practicing at the Barre 1877 Art Print

In the lower left corner of this scene sits a simple zinc watering can, a tool Degas included to represent the dampening of the wooden floorboards to prevent dancers from slipping during their grueling routines. This print captures the unglamorous reality of the studio, where two figures in voluminous white tutus stretch their legs against a high wooden barre.

About Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas (1834–1917) exhibited with the Impressionists but preferred to call himself a realist. Degas is best known for ballet dancers, painted rehearsing and resting as often as performing. Impressionist paintings use visible brushstrokes and soft colour that feel bright and airy on a wall. The original dates from 1877.

Styling this Edgar Degas print

With its yellow palette and bold atmosphere, this Edgar Degas print brings instant personality to a wall. In a bedroom, hang “Dancers Practicing at the Barre” above the bed: 20×30″ or 24×36″ for impact, 12×18″ for a smaller wall. Finish “Dancers Practicing at the Barre” with a black or antique-gold frame: its yellow palette warms up grey or white walls and suits natural wood and brass accents.

At a glance

• Type: Edgar Degas print
• Artist: Edgar Degas
• Year: 1877
• Style: Impressionism
• Colours: yellow
• Mood: bold
• Subject: The human figure
• Orientation: landscape
• Collections: Edgar Degas Posters, Impressionist Art Prints