4 Fun Edgar Degas Art Activities For Kids

His most iconic pieces feature ballet dancers, whom he affectionately referred to as petits rats de l’Opéra, or “little rats” – but not because of anything unpleasant! The term was an affectionate, if somewhat cheeky, way to describe these young, hardworking dancers. It originated from their lives spent tirelessly scurrying around the Opera House like busy little creatures, rehearsing in the practice rooms, and navigating its maze of corridors. Many of these dancers came from modest backgrounds and devoted themselves to intense training, often with dreams of rising through the ranks to become stars of the stage, so the nickname also hinted at their tenacity, agility, and the scrappiness required to succeed in such a demanding and competitive environment.

Edgar Degas’ work is often celebrated for capturing the beauty of imperfection because he was deeply interested in capturing the spontaneity and naturalism of movement. His paintings and sculptures focus on everyday life, such as ballet dancers, racehorses, and café scenes. Instead of idealizing his subjects, Degas chose to emphasize the authentic, imperfect moments, flaws and all, of human experience. His subjects often display awkward postures, facial expressions, and angles, highlighting a raw, unrefined beauty. This approach reflects a move away from the classical ideals of beauty towards a more modern, realistic interpretation of life. In doing so, Degas elevated imperfections to an art form, demonstrating that true beauty can be found in the unpolished and the ordinary.

As Degas aged, his vision began to deteriorate, which presented a challenge for his detailed sketches and paintings. However, rather than stepping back from his art, Degas adapted by exploring sculpture, finding a new way to express the movement and vitality that had always fascinated him. One of his most famous sculptures, The Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, caused quite a stir when it was first exhibited in 1881. Unlike traditional sculptures, which adhered to classical ideals of beauty, Degas’ Little Dancer was startlingly realistic. With her delicate tutu made of actual fabric and her lifelike wax complexion, she stood apart from the marble and bronze statues of the time.

While some critics were unsettled by her unconventional appearance and the suggestion of her humble background, others admired Degas’ boldness in bringing everyday life and working-class determination into fine art.

Degas’ ability to adapt and innovate, even in the face of personal challenges, makes him a particularly inspiring figure. His art captures not only the beauty of movement but also the spirit of perseverance – a timeless lesson for all ages.