The Star is one of Degas's most famous paintings. As opposed to Monet's type of painting, where the whole scene is seen as a glance, Degas's are seen through a lens. In
The Star the dancer is painted as if glanced at, but her surroundings are so indistinct it is as if the they are the parts on the edge of a lens. This helps the feeling of light and shadow because even if the background is lit up it is still in shadow, taking focus off of the background and applying it the the dancer. The only definite shape in this whole painting is the star herself. In most paintings, Degas focuses on people not nature setting himself apart from other impressionist.
It is interesting that you mention that Degas painted this painting as if it were a photo. I never would have guessed that that would be a technique for impressionist art.
ReplyDelete