The Dance Class (La Classe de danse)
Painting on canvas • Edgar Degas (1834–1917)
Style & Movement
Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing soft brushwork and a matte quality characteristic of late 19th-century French Impressionism, depicting varying textures of tulle and wood.
Creation Period
Completed c. 1874 (likely a high-quality reproduction of the original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 83.5 x 77.2 cm (original scale); square-rectilinear format
Subject Description
A crowded rehearsal room featuring Jules Perrot, a famous ballet master, standing with a cane. He is surrounded by young ballerinas in various states of repose and practice. The composition is noted for its off-center perspective and Japanese-print influenced cropping.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface texture suggests a printed canvas or a stabilized old copy, showing minor pigment yellowing and frame-edge wear.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $500 (as a decorative reproduction); the original is priceless/museum-held.
Auction Estimate
$50 - $200 (for current framed reproduction)
Provenance History
The original has a provenance including Jean-Baptiste Faure and eventually the Metropolitan Museum of Art; this specific object appears to be a framed decor-scale reproduction or student copy.
Art Historical Significance
One of Degas's most ambitious ballet compositions, representing his mastery of interior space, artificial light, and the 'behind-the-scenes' reality of the Paris Op ra.
Notable Features
Features the figure of Jules Perrot; the watering can in the bottom left (used to dampen the floor for traction) is a classic Degas realistic detail.
Condition Issues
Slight fading of green pigments in the background walls and potential flattening of canvas tension due to aged mounting.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct UV sunlight to prevent further fading of greens and yellows; professional dusting of the frame; archival mounting if currently on acidic backing.