In every way, Edgar Degas A la Barre (On the Barre), c. 1888-1889 captures the artist’s signature style. No matter the pose, Degas manages to capture the ethereal grace inherent to the performing art of ballet. In a dazzling sepia tone, this image of ballet dancers at practice is immediately eye catching. Each dancer appears in the middle of practice, with their legs high to the side. Gently drawn lines depict the textures of their tutu skirts. Meanwhile, in the left corner sits a somber man playing the violin. Unlike the delicate quality of the ballerinas, this man is boldly colored to convey his hefty presence. In the background, the white windows give the impression of a sunlit studio. This lithograph is from Quinze lithographies d'après Degas (Fifteen Lithographs After Degas).”, a portfolio created with the collaboration of G.W. Thornley. This work is extremely rare as it is from a special edition of 25 that was hand-signed by both Degas and G.W. Thornley in pencil. This deluxe edition was made before the regular unsigned edition of 100.

Created circa 1888-1889, this original lithograph in reddish ink on cream Chine appliqué is hand signed by Edgar Degas (Paris, 1834- Paris, 1917) in pencil in the lower left margin and also hand signed by G.W. Thornley in pencil in the lower right margin. From the edition of 25, printed by Atelier Becquet, Paris and published by Boussod-Valadon, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Edgar Degas On the Barre (A la Barre), c. 1888-1889 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Reed, S. W. & Shapiro, B.S. (1984). Edgar Degas: The Painter as Printmaker. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston. Portfolio detailed on pgs. lviii – lix.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Edgar Degas On the Barre (A la Barre), c. 1888-1889 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.