Cultural References to Degas

In Film

Degas and the Dancer (1998)

Impressionist Edgar Degas hires a young ballerina to pose for him.  Their attitudes and strong headed opinions push both artists to greater heights. 

Degas (1980)

A 58 minute film which records the life of Impressionist painter Edgar Degas. 

Degas And The Dance (2004)

This 66 minute documentary explores Degas’ fascination with dancers.  There are dramatic recreations of the artist at work in his studio.

Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn (1999)

This documentary provides insight into how the Civil War of the South impacted the life of Edgar Degas and the future Impressionist Movement. 

In Literature

Degas and the Little Dancer

Written by Laurence Anholt this picture book story tells the tale of a young ballerina who must earn money for ballet lessons.  She finds herself modeling for the famous artist Edgar Degas.

Dancing for Degas: A Novel

Written by Kathryn Wagner this fictional novel centers around the life of Alexandrie, an ambitious farm girl who joins the Paris Opera Ballet in hopes of securing a place in society as well as her families financial future.  However, she finds herself falling in love with Impressionist artist Edgar Degas.

Marie, Dancing

A fictionalized autobiography of Marie Van Goethem, a young student in the Paris Ballet school who becomes a model of Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture, “The Little Dancer”.

In Music

Art & Music: Degas – Music of His Time

In the Community

Edgar Degas Foundation

The non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of the legacy of the French Impressionist Master, Edgar Degas, and serving as a cultural resource center for the public.

Edgar Degas is on Facebook

‘Like’ the page to connect with other fans of Edgar Degas.