Edgar Degas' Figurative Equine Sculptures Discovered in 1917
- Robin Black
- Nov 29, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
During Degas' lifetime, none of the more than 150 figurative sculptures he created were publicly exhibited, a fact that reflects the artist's complex relationship with the medium of sculpture. While Degas is predominantly celebrated for his remarkable paintings and pastels, particularly those capturing the grace and movement of ballet dancers, his foray into sculpture reveals another dimension of his artistic exploration.
The sculptures, often cast in wax or clay, were typically intended as studies for his paintings or as personal expressions of his fascination with the human form and movement. This lack of public exhibition during his lifetime adds an air of mystery and intrigue to his sculptural works, as they remained largely unknown to the art world and the general public until after his death.
Most of his sculptures were modeled before 1865, a period that marked significant development in the artist's approach to form and movement. The sculptures he produced during this time were not merely exercises in three-dimensional form; they were explorations of the dynamics of motion and the subtleties of posture.
By choosing not to cast his sculptures, he retained an element of intimacy and fragility that could be lost in the more permanent mediums.
Degas' reluctance to reproduce his sculptures in permanent materials like bronze or marble highlights his belief that the ephemeral nature of wax or clay better captured the fleeting moments he depicted. By not casting his sculptures, he preserved their intimacy and fragility, which might be lost in more permanent mediums. The raw wax models conveyed immediacy and spontaneity, allowing viewers to connect with his artistic process and vision.
This decision also highlights Degas' intricate connection with the art community and his personal artistic identity. He frequently viewed himself primarily as a draftsman rather than a sculptor, and his hesitance to create enduring pieces might suggest a wish to maintain a level of privacy and intimacy in his artistic pursuits. Consequently, the sculptures can be interpreted as a conversation between the artist and his materials, underscoring the ephemeral nature of life and art.
Nevertheless, Albert Bartholomé, a sculptor and close friend of Degas, prepared each figure for casting, a process executed by the esteemed Paris foundry A.-A. Hébrard et Cie. It is essential to mention that Degas' heirs authorized the casting of bronze copies to preserve the compositions and sell them as finished works. In addition to the visual appeal, the use of bronze as a medium adds a layer of durability and timelessness to the sculptures, allowing them to withstand the elements and be appreciated for generations to come.
The brief video showcases just a handful of the 72 horse sculptures that were meticulously cast in bronze, each one representing a unique artistic vision and craftsmanship. These remarkable sculptures capture the elegance, strength, and beauty of horses, which have long been revered symbols of freedom and power throughout various cultures.
Currently on display at The Met on Fifth Avenue in New York City are Edgar Degas' 72 equine sculptures. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for art lovers and the general public to discover these lesser-known pieces. The sculptures highlight Degas' acute observation of horses in motion, capturing their dynamism and elegance. His meticulous attention to detail and fluidity of form reveal a profound understanding of anatomy and movement, developed through years of studying dancers and horses.
Visitors will encounter works that showcase Degas' technical prowess and themes of grace, strength, and the transient nature of beauty. The exhibition connects his renowned paintings with his lesser-known sculptures, enhancing appreciation of his artistic legacy. This display at The Met celebrates Degas' contributions and fosters dialogue about the importance of sculpture in his work, inviting admiration and reflection.
The fact that his sculptural works were not publicly exhibited during his lifetime adds an element of mystery and intrigue to them. Degas' sculptures from this pre-1865 period not only showcase his innovative approach to capturing movement and form but also highlight his ambivalence towards the permanence of art. His decision to refrain from reproducing them in more enduring materials invites a deeper contemplation of the nature of artistic expression and the value of impermanence in the creative process.
