Artwork
The Curtain
The Curtain is a pastel drawing 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
The Curtain is a drawing by Edgar Degas, created around 1880. It is executed in pastel over charcoal and monotype on laid paper mounted on board.
Subject & Meaning
Contrary to expectations, The Curtain does not depict a ballet scene, but rather a city street with figures, including a horse and rider, and a man walking towards a row of colorful flags or banners.
Technique & Style
Degas combined pastel, charcoal, and monotype techniques to achieve a balance between softness and precision. The loose, bright colors and quick brushwork evoke a sense of spontaneity and capture the liveliness of the scene.
History & Provenance
The Curtain was produced during a period when Degas frequently explored urban and backstage themes, showcasing his realist inclinations and technical skill.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
