The artwork titled “Les Pointes,” created by Edgar Degas between 1877 and 1878, is an oil on canvas piece that embodies the Impressionist movement. Measuring 50 cm by 61 cm, this genre painting belonged to a private collection. The characteristics of Impressionism such as the focus on light and movement, as well as a sense of immediacy, are elegantly captured in this artwork.
“Les Pointes” by Degas presents a scene with a ballerina dancing en pointe, a quintessential pose related to ballet. The ballerina is central in the composition and appears to be rendered with swift, decisive brush strokes that evoke the fluidity and grace of her movement. The background is made up of loose, expressive brushwork typical of Impressionism, suggesting a verdant environment with patches of sky or a reflective surface. Degas’ use of this technique is apt for capturing the fleeting, ephemeral moments associated with live performances. The color palette is rich with greens, blues, and whites that blend harmoniously, further contributing to the atmospheric quality of the piece. There is also a figure to the right, seemingly in mid-movement, that adds to the dynamic feeling of the artwork. Overall, “Les Pointes” stands as an evocative testament to the artistry of both the dancer and Edgar Degas himself.
