Degas, Painter of Ballerinas

Gr 4–7—Edgar Degas (1834–1917), a towering figure of French Impressionism, is best known for his closely observed, behind-the-scenes paintings, drawings, and sculptures of Paris Opera ballerinas in classes, rehearsals, and performances. In this handsomely designed book, prepared in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (which holds all but two of the volume's marvelously reproduced artworks), Rubin uses clear, economical, graceful prose to describe the perfectionist master's life and career, artistic techniques and media, and painstaking approach to craft. Through narrative and art, readers meet some of his models and sympathize with aspiring young dancers coping with exhausting daily practice. Students also learn that Degas struggled for years with failing eyesight, which was the eventual impetus for his venturing into sculpture. Numerous quotes by and about Degas, and informative captions further enhance this title's portrait of both the artist and his prolific output. Ballet students and non-dancers alike will appreciate the liberal use (and definitions, via text, art, and glossary) of terminology. Elegant design flourishes include a pink-ribbon-like covering of the book's spine and illustrations throughout of toe shoe–like laces in many of the pages' margins. The excellent back matter includes notes, glossary, ballet terms, a list of where to view Degas artworks, and bibliography.