COMPLETE DEGAS SCULPTURE

by John Rewald ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

This devil of a fellow wants to do sculpture"", said the sculptor Bartholome of Degas, ""but he doesn't want to submit to the laws of that medium. . . When an arm goes beyond the sphere of equilibrium and threatens to fall, he reinforces it with a match."" Few of the many statuettes Degas made in half a century survived his abuses of technique. In a spirit of economy he stuffed his modeling materials with bits of cork, which ultimately sabotaged the structure. As his failing eyesight lessened his activity in drawing and painting, he was occupied more with clay and plastiscene. During his lifetime he exhibited only the Little Dressed Dancer -- a radical departure, for the times, with a tut of gauze and a real sash about her simple coiffeur. It was spurned by the critics and became a focal point of controversy. Here are 114 black and white photographs of his bathers, dancers and horses, viewed from several angles. Though there are several lovely photographs of the touching and beloved little dancer, this is chiefly a round up of the minor works of a master. Degas was a colorist. These photographs encompass his work with form. Limited.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION