Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen

Definition

Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen is a sculpture created by the French artist Edgar Degas, depicting a young ballet dancer in a naturalistic pose, characterized by its unique use of mixed media. This work is significant as it challenged traditional sculptural practices of the time by incorporating real materials like fabric and a wig, which added an element of realism and intimacy to the piece. The sculpture represents not just Degas' innovative artistic approach but also reflects the broader trends in the world of sculpture during the late 19th century, particularly the shift toward capturing movement and everyday life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen was first exhibited in 1881 at the 6th Impressionist Exhibition, where it received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike due to its unconventional materials.
2. The sculpture features a real tutu made from gauze and a wig made from human hair, emphasizing Degas' commitment to realism and detail.
3. Unlike most sculptures of the time that were made entirely from marble or bronze, this work uses a combination of materials to create a lifelike appearance.
4. The figure's pose captures a moment of stillness between dance movements, showcasing Degas' fascination with ballet and the lives of dancers.
5. Degas created several studies and sketches of dancers before making this sculpture, demonstrating his thorough exploration of movement and form.

Review Questions

• How does Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen reflect the characteristics of Impressionism in sculpture?
  • Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen embodies Impressionism through its focus on capturing the essence of movement and everyday life. The use of mixed media in the sculpture not only adds realism but also reflects the Impressionist interest in depicting fleeting moments. This emphasis on capturing a spontaneous pose rather than a static representation aligns with Impressionist ideals, pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture techniques during that period.
• What innovative techniques did Degas employ in Little Dancer Aged Fourteen that set it apart from contemporary sculptures?
  • Degas employed innovative techniques by incorporating mixed media elements such as a real tutu and human hair for the wig in Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. This departure from traditional methods, which typically utilized materials like marble or bronze exclusively, allowed for greater realism and a tactile quality that engaged viewers on multiple sensory levels. The combination of these materials created an intimate connection between the artwork and the observer, challenging conventional notions of sculpture.
• Evaluate how Little Dancer Aged Fourteen contributes to our understanding of gender roles within the context of 19th-century art.
  • Little Dancer Aged Fourteen contributes significantly to our understanding of gender roles in 19th-century art by portraying a young female ballet dancer not as an objectified muse but as an individual with agency. Through this work, Degas highlights the rigorous training and dedication required in ballet, reflecting broader societal themes about women's roles during that time. By focusing on a young girl who is both delicate and strong, Degas challenges traditional views of femininity and suggests a more complex narrative about women’s experiences in art and society.

Related terms

Impressionism:

An art movement that originated in France in the late 19th century, focusing on capturing light and natural forms, influencing Degas' approach to color and form.

Bronze Casting: A sculpting technique that involves creating a mold and pouring molten metal into it, often used to reproduce works of art, including sculptures like Degas' Little Dancer.

Ballet: A highly technical form of dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance and was developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia, serving as the primary subject for many of Degas' works.