EDGAR DEGAS: A Strange New Beauty at MoMA

Edgar Degas (b. France 1834-1917) is a major artist of the 19th C best known for his lovely depiction of ballet dancers in various positions of repose.  This exciting & rare exhibit of Degas' works: drawings, monotypes, prints, oil & watercolor paintings (no sculptures) is a glimpse into the artist's experimentation with various mediums & his broad oeuvre.  The constant theme throughout is Degas' fascination with capturing ephemeral moments & intimate glimpses of women's private toilette.  The nudes & drawings of women bathing are voyeuristic and titilating.  I think he was motivated to capture a fleeting, unobserved moment.   Many of Degas' depiction of dancers portray them off-stage; adjusting their costumes or relaxing rather than their performance.  I noticed a similarity between Degas' paintings with his fellow Frenchmen, Bonnard (1867-1947) and Lautrec (1864-1901.)  Bonnard & Degas (surprisingly) were both prolific painters of women bathing.  Bonnard & Lautrec were huge fans of dancing & the entertainment nightlife.  Several of Degas' paintings I confused with Lautrec because of  the similar iridescent lighting & composition.  The additional allure of the exhibit is noting the evolution of Degas' works.  The happenstance of his prints and watercolor landscapes demonstrate a freedom & abandon to his practice.  The transition from the precise figurative drawings to the blurred, somewhat abstract paintings of dancers is enthralling.  The last gallery contain elegant & lovely pastels/oils of the ballet world.  It is the choreographing leading to these paintings that enrich the appreciation for his body of work.  "Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do." (E.D.)