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Degas called the Paris Opera a «bedroom of his own,» and he made it the privileged place of his ultimate works. He explored with his brush not only the room and the stage but also the boxes, the foyer and, of course, the places of rehearsal. Dancers, musicians, orchestra and spectators haunt forever the scenes of his paintings.
This artistic microcosm bathed in lights and music gave him a real universe in isolation to experience all his studies of movement in the veracity of his gestures. A marvelous «toolbox», Degas spent his life in this legendary workshop of opera and ballet, leaving only short moments for other venues such as horse races or café-concerts.
This exhibition is the first to consider the Paris Opera in the nineteenth century in its entirety through the passionate link that unites Degas to this house and his musical tastes.
Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
Ballet, also told The Star, 1876
Pastel on monotype, 58.4 x 42 cm
Paris, musée d’Orsay, RF 12258
Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (Orsay Museum) / Hervé Lewandowski