Degas and the Dance
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,History & Criticism
Degas and the Dance Details
From Library Journal Obsessed by the dance world, Edgar Degas (1834-1917) sketched, painted, and sculpted dancers for nearly 50 years. This catalog, an irresistible combination of dance, art, and scholarship, accompanies an exhibition in Detroit (until January 2003) and Philadelphia (February 12-May 11) that is destined for surefire success. Beyond the gorgeous reproductions of 144 paintings, drawings, and sculptures, eight original and probing essays delve into the artist's working methods backstage sur la sc ne at the Paris Op ra and the evolution of his prolific dance oeuvre. Written by curator and former dancer DeVonyar and noted Degas scholar Kendall, the text is detailed and illuminating. Historic photographs of dancers, rehearsals, ballet masters, theaters, sets, and costumes are used liberally to connect period dance culture to the art. Visually exciting and ambitious in scale and focus, this is an essential purchase for academics, museums, and most public libraries.Russell T. Clement, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more From Booklist Edgar Degas' fascination with the ballet is legendary. What is less well known, and what this beautifully illustrated volume shows so well, is that many of his works are the result of an intimate link with the Paris Opera. Kendall, an art historian and recognized authority on Degas, and DeVonyar, an independent curator and former dancer, have taken the myths that have grown up around Degas' paintings and career and attempted to replace them with factual sources for his work. Degas' personal knowledge of the dancers, understanding of the dance and its techniques, connection with both the old and new opera houses, and free access to rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and other backstage areas are explored in detail in a successful effort to understand how he came to portray the ballet as intimately as he did. Books about Degas abound. What makes this one fresh and unique is its inclusion of early and little-known sketches, and focus on how and why Degas came to prefer depicting backstage reality rather than dance itself. Lauren RobertsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Read more Review "An irresistible combination of dance and art...visually exciting in scale and focus." -- Library Journal Read more
Reviews
I always wondered how Degas created his many ballet images. I knew he couldn't drag an easel, canvas/paper, paints and pastels to a box seat at the theater. So how did he do it?Well, this FAB book explains wonderfully! His whole life and times are explained. Very well written, not too scholarly, but very readable. I earned art degrees but dislike books with fancy words and not saying much. This offers lots of good content!GORGEOUS images. Delightful.I borrowed this big book from library. Some of the images are not near the text (cos they are described also in other chapters). EVERY single time I looked for that other image, someone had torn it out! So I had to buy the book!Great investment. Highly recommended if you are also curious about Degas life and times. And if you want to know more about his subjects. And gorgeous images!! Lots of BIG images. Yummy details. Degas fans will enjoy it. I sure do!!