Theater Box by Degas

Revealing the unique experience of modern performance, this fascinating work entitled “Theater Box” with a striking realism stands as a major composition of the artist. Painted by the great master Degas Edgar, it fits fully into the Impressionist movement by exploring a resolutely modern and unexpected angle of view. Instead of painting the actors on stage, the painter chooses to observe the cozy architectural intimacy of the hall and immortalize the sumptuous decor.

The composition of the image is dominated by the opulent curves of the gilded balcony of a theater box that extends obliquely from the center to the right. These ornaments carved in high relief, representing plant motifs and small white cherubs, capture rich yellow and golden light reflections. At the top left, in the mysterious dark shadow of the upper box, one can barely distinguish the bright and delicate profile of an attentive female spectator turned toward the stage. Below the balcony, a wide, deep dark and reddish space, almost completely abstract, suggests the interior of the lower box and powerfully reinforces the overall contrast of light.

The exceptional craftsmanship of the artist is fully expressed in the mastery of pastel, a technique that allows him to obtain velvety textures and shimmering lights. Degas Edgar uses rapid hatching and intense value contrasts to sculpt the gilding and the structure of the box. This work bears witness to his unique creative genius.