Two Dancers Entering the Stage

Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917) - Two Dancers Entering the Stage, c.1877-78 (Pastel over monotype in black ink on white modern laid paper, discolored to tan. Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum) - Degas, while focusing on the first two dancers, cuts off the third dancer which contributes to the depiction of motion across the canvas. In spite of their exquisite costumes, these are probably young working-class dancers from the corps de ballet as opposed to principals…