Before the Departure
- Original dimensions
- 89 x 39.5 cm
- Museum
- Emil G. Bührle Foundation and Collection
- Year
- 1879
Scene depicted
This painting depicts a fleeting and touching moment in the world of classical dance: ballerinas are getting ready to go on stage, concentration and excitement marking their faces. The scene is imbued with an almost palpable atmosphere, each detail revealing the duality between the polished world of art and the simple humanity of these young women.
Historical context
Created in 1879 in Paris, this painting is emblematic of the Impressionist movement, which revolutionizes art by capturing light and movement. The painting is currently located at the Emil G. Bührle Foundation and Collection in Switzerland, where it continues to fascinate visitors. Its dimensions, 89 by 39.5 cm, give it a delicate and engaging presence in any exhibition.
Place in the artist's career
Before the Departure is situated at a turning point in Degas's career, marking a period of stylistic maturity where he excels in portraits of dancers. When compared to The Dance Class (1874) and Dancer at Rest (1892), one perceives an evolution in the exploration of light and human emotion, thus reinforcing his status as an undisputed master of Impressionism .
Anecdote
“Dance is a conversation between the body and the mind,” said Degas. It was during a sunny morning, in the heart of Parisian bustle, that he observed the tender agitation of ballerinas preparing backstage. This vivid and emotional scene is the matrix of his masterpiece , Before the Departure, a painting vibrant with energy and sensitivity.