This week’s Fashion Inspired by Art post features a painting created by a one of the founders of Impressionism, Edgar Degas. Read on to learn more about “Swaying Dancer” and to see three outfits inspired by this work of art.

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About Edgar Degas’ “Swaying Dancer”

Edgar Degas’ “Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green)” (1877-1879) via Wikimedia Commons | Click image to enlarge.

I had The Nutcracker on my mind this week, and when it comes to paintings featuring ballet dancers, Edgar Degas (1834-1917) is the go-to artist. The French Impressionist preferred to be known as a “realist,” as he painted mostly scenes of everyday life, exploring and studying human movement and posture, rather than the landscapes his contemporaries are known for.

Despite a traditional art education, Degas moved away from the traditional Salon and instead founded the Société Anonyme des Artistes with Monet and other painters. Degas chose to paint ballet dancers, since during this time, they were not the esteemed performers they were in years past, but instead known as “little rats.” He preferred the scenes of practice – the blood, sweat, and tears that came before a performance, as well as the sore muscles and battered feet, which some critics argue is misogynistic.

Typical to Degas’ aesthetic, “Swaying Dancer” features a bit of an awkward pose and heavy depth, which gives the painting a dynamic feel. By drawing influences from photography and Japanese prints, Degas was able to capture the organized chaos of the backstage through cropping and an off-center composition.

Outfits Inspired by Edgar Degas’ “Swaying Dancer”

Working Girls

Dress, Clutch, Necklace, Heels, Sweater, Nail Polish, Jacket