The Star Dancer on Stage by Edgar Degas was made in 1877. The dancer on stage was neither an actor, nor a social celebrity, but an ordinary dancer. The painter Edgar Degas took their dance as the medium to deliberately pursue the performance of light and color. Through the portrayal of the dancer, the painter tried to exhibit the strong light reflection effect. This work which regarded the indoor lighting as the portrayal object became the most famous work in impressionist paintings. The Arena scenery and green carpet foiled the dancer under the light and appeared illusory and magnificent, which became a beautiful world. People praised that Degas was a master for painting the dancers, but Degas said, “People call me a painter of painting dancers, but they do not know that for me, the dancers are just the media to depict the beautiful
depiction and everything else was secondary.
The Star Dancer on Stage was such a work. The ballerina closest to us was dancing with the music and her charming and exquisite body was set to complete a rotation with rising hand stretching gracefully. Under the reflection of the stage light, her dress showed the charming color changes, giving people the lightness and mystery. The ballerinas painted by Degas were diligent in art and practiced dancing very hard. But their pay was very low, and they had the risk of dismissal. In France in 19th century, ballet was an elegant art, but the actor’s status was not high. Only a few dancers could take the social honor title. In his work, Degas expressed the sincere sympathy for these dancers. So, in addition to drawing their graceful dance on stage, the painter also depicted their hard life behind the stage. These Degas masterpieces were like the mirror to show the dancers’ life.
