Who painted Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms?

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms was painted by Edgar Degas in 1880.

Where can I see Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms?

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms?

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms

Edgar Degas , 1880

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Actresses in Their Dressing Rooms is an 1880 etching and aquatint print on wove paper by French artist Edgar Degas, showcasing his ability to capture intimate, everyday moments.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two actresses in a private, backstage setting, emphasizing their personal preparation rather than public performance. The scene conveys a sense of quiet, unguarded intimacy.

Technique & Style

Degas employed etching and aquatint to achieve textured, expressive lines and soft, dim lighting. Dark lines and rough wooden panel details evoke a sense of tactility, characteristic of his realist approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1880, this work reflects Degas's broader interest in behind-the-scenes glimpses of performers, diverging from his more common depictions of dancers in motion.

Context

While associated with Impressionism, Degas identified as a realist. This piece aligns with his realist leanings, focusing on the mundane aspects of performers' lives rather than the glamour of the stage.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edgar Degas

Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.