Edgar Degas' (1834-1917) fascination with the human figure in motion led to many paintings of dancers and women. Degas was from a wealthy and aristocratic Paris family but got into his own unique Impressionist art. Degas worked in many mediums, mainly pastel. In the early 1870s Degas became associated with a Ballet school and the female ballet dancer became his main theme. Degas Ballet painting show an empathy with the psychology of the dancer. How the girls felt at rehearsal, waiting to perform, and during a performance. Edgar Degas |