Degas model

Degas was into  the movement of the ballet girls. By capturing the moment of the dance he displayed this 14 year old in her starting pose. The model and sculpture are captured in time. Degas displayed this in the last impressionist show. Most people were surprised and amazed.

But as well received as this was or was not it still churns up controversy. Critics of art at the time didn't know what to make of this art piece with real clothes and hair. The ribbon tied just like the girls in the ballet wore. 

The people of Paris called the little sideline dancers ballet rats. But for the young girls with dreams of becoming the Prima Donna it was the way to a better life.

Made of wax and clay with wire and wood under frame. Degas worked for years on it. In 1880 he finally was able to show it.

Keep your clay and wax ready and your brushes wet.