The artwork entitled “Three Dancers. Yellow Skirts, Blue Blouses” is a pastel on paper piece by Edgar Degas, dating back to approximately 1896. This work is executed in the Impressionist style, notable for its depiction of light and movement as well as everyday life. The dimensions of the artwork are 56.5 by 50.8 centimeters. As a genre painting, it captures a scene from daily life, specifically focusing on dance, which is a recurring theme in Degas’ oeuvre. Currently, this piece is part of a private collection.
The artwork portrays three ballerinas mid-dance, their bodies angled in such a way that it suggests movement and the dynamism of their performance. The dancers are adorned in yellow skirts and blue blouses, with the vibrancy of these colors capturing the viewer’s eye. Degas’ use of pastel allows for soft yet intense hues and textures to coexist, giving the composition a sense of depth and energy. The background is rendered in more muted tones, creating a contrast that further accentuates the figures of the dancers. The intricate details of the ballet costumes, including the tutus and bodices, are suggested through Degas’ dexterous pastel strokes. This piece is a fine example of Degas’ fascination with the world of ballet and his mastery of pastel medium to convey the nuances of light and form.
