Edgar Degas’ painting, Mlle Fiocre In The Ballet The Source, showcases the renowned ballerina Eugénie Fiocre in her role as princess Nourreda in the ballet La Source. Created in 1867-68, this piece of art exemplifies the impressionism style, capturing the beauty of nature and the female form intertwined during a ballet performance. Degas was known for his pursuit of this element and moved beyond creating mere records of performances to opportunities for capturing new elements.
The painting depicts three women positioned near the water stage alongside a horse. The production of La Source included exotic costumes, sets, bodies of water, and live horses on stage, adding to the sensory experience. Mlle Fiocre at the Ballet La Source is considered one of the most definitive works of anti-war art and signifies the partnership between Degas and ballet dancers, one of the great painterly partnerships.
Currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, this painting remains popular among art enthusiasts for its stunning scene of a ballet performance and its significant contribution to impressionistic art. Additionally, a number of Picasso’s paintings have sold for more than $100 million at auction, making them some of the most valuable works of art in history.