Degas, Painter of Ballerinas

Through Edgar Degas's beloved paintings, drawings, and sculptures, Susan Goldman Rubin conveys the wonder and excitement of the ballet world. Degas is one of the most celebrated painters of the impressionist movement, and his ballerina paintings are among the most favorite of his fans. In his artwork, Degas captures every moment, from the relentless hours of practice to the glamour of appearing on stage, revealing a dancer's journey from novice to prima ballerina. Observing young students, Degas drew their poses again and again, determined to achieve perfection. The book includes a brief biography of his entire life, endnotes, bibliography, where to see his paintings, and an index.

“"This gorgeous book will appeal to artists and dancers alike, and there is enough vetted biographical information to make this useful for research as well."”

A handsome exploration of an artist's love affair with ballet . . . While ballet lovers will enjoy this glimpse into a 19th-century world (one painting includes Jules Perrot, a noted choreographer), art students will learn much from the exploration of techniques that Degas employed. Kirkus Reviews
In this handsomely designed book, prepared in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art . . . Rubin uses clear, economical, graceful prose to describe the perfectionist master’s life and career, artistic techniques and media, and painstaking approach to craft. School Library Journal
A beautiful, engaging, and informative book . . . it's hard to find fault with this enchanting book. It's the perfect gift for aspiring artists and dancers. New York Journal of Books
Plainspoken text (“He portrayed their gestures: leaning against a bench, stretching, rubbing their aching necks”) describes the artist’s working process, observations of the dancers, and his sympathy for their hard work. Publishers Weekly
This gorgeous book will appeal to artists and dancers alike, and there is enough vetted biographical information to make this useful for research as well. School Library Connection

Susan Goldman Rubin is the award-winning author of many biographies for young people, including Coco Chanel, Diego Rivera, and Hot Pink. She lives in Malibu, California.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s most encyclopedic art museum.

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