The artwork titled “Before the Curtain Call” was executed by the renowned artist Edgar Degas in the year 1892, utilizing pastel as the medium. This piece, which is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, measures 51 by 34 centimeters and can be classified within the genre painting category. The prestigious Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, United States, is the current custodian of this artwork.
The artwork captures an intimate moment presumably backstage, a theme often visited by Degas in his exploration of the world of dance and performers. It features a central figure, likely a dancer, clad in a vibrant green costume, who appears to be seated and absorbed in a moment of repose or contemplation. Her pose is relaxed yet seems to convey a sense of introspection or perhaps anticipation before she steps out for a performance. The use of pastels allows for an interplay of vivid colors and soft textures that portray the folds of her costume and the nuances of light that bathe the scene. The background is dimly lit, with another figure present, contributing to the sense of depth and environment in which these performers prepare. The artwork embodies the Impressionist fascination with capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light and color, while also offering a contemplation on the quieter instances of performer’s life away from the public eye.
