Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

In Edgar Degas's "Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando," the viewer is immediately captivated by the breathtaking dynamism and bold composition. The painting captures a dramatic moment from a cirque performance.

Subject and Composition:

The primary subject, Miss La La, an acrobat of mixed Italian-Afro-European descent, is suspended high above the ground, gripping a rope with her teeth. Degas masterfully conveys the tension and physical strain of this remarkable feat. The precariousness and skill required for such a performance are palpable. She is depicted in a dynamic diagonal pose, contrasting sharply with the vertical architectural beams in the background, which emphasizes her airborne position. The viewer’s eye is drawn upwards, following the perspective lines created by the beams and the tension of the rope.

Miss La La wears a light, frilly costume that contrasts with her darker skin tone, making her figure even more prominent against the more muted colors of the background. The lighting falls on her from above, accentuating the strong contours of her body and the muscles engaged in her stunt. Her costume, however, is kept relatively simple, avoiding distraction and focusing attention on her physical prowess and the sheer audacity of her act.

Brushwork and Color:

Degas employs a loose yet precise brushwork that allows the painting to convey both energy and detail. The colors are somewhat reduced, focusing on shades of warm browns, golds, and neutral tones, which help highlight Miss La La's figure. The warm, dim lighting of the circus is suggested with deft, subtle color gradations, providing a sense of the intimate and slightly worn environment of the old Parisian circus.

Background Elements:

In the background, structural elements of the circus tent, like rafters and ropes, provide a complex interplay of lines and forms. These elements ground the acrobat’s suspended form in space and contribute to the overall balance and design of the painting. The soft blending of the background tones into the structure of the circus contrasts with the sharply rendered figure of Miss La La, emphasizing her isolation and focus during the performance.

Location:

The original painting "Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando" is housed in The National Gallery in London, an institution renowned for its extensive collection of Western European paintings.

Artist's Career and Artistic Movements:

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) is a towering figure in the history of art, particularly associated with the Impressionist movement, despite his reluctance to categorize himself strictly within this group. Degas is celebrated for his innovative compositions, mastery of movement, and keen interest in capturing contemporary urban life.

"Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando" fits intriguingly within Degas's career and artistic explorations. He is best known for his depictions of ballet dancers, racehorses, and everyday scenes of Parisian life, where he demonstrated his acute observation of form and movement. However, this painting stands out within his oeuvre as a rare and vivid depiction of circus life, a subject he only occasionally explored.

1. Innovative Composition: Degas’s composition is exceptionally modern; the high viewpoint and the dynamic, off-center placement of Miss La La showcase his daring approach to perspective. It demonstrates his interest in Japanese woodblock prints and their influence on Western art, with their unusual angles and cropping.

2. Realism and Empathy: The painting reflects Degas's commitment to realism and his empathetic portrayal of performers as individuals of great skill and resilience. It isn’t merely a spectacle but an homage to the dedication and physical prowess required in such performances.

3. Cultural Significance: The inclusion of Miss La La, a woman of mixed race during a time of considerable racial prejudice in Europe, and her depiction as a figure of strength and grace is significant. It reinforces Degas’s progressive views and his interest in capturing diverse facets of society.

The painting, while staying true to the realistic depiction of a specific moment, captivates the viewer with its dramatic tension and majesty. As such, "Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando" remains a striking testament to Degas’s versatility and his profound ability to capture the transient beauty of modern life.