Did you know that Degas never considered himself a sculptor? It was something he took on in order to better understand the subjects of his paintings. In fact, he hated the idea of working in bronze – he did not like the idea of having an eternal figure. Instead, he preferred to work in wax. Now there are over 30 of these dancers around the world, and most of them have tutus that don't match Degas' original vision.This past weekend, I was lucky to hang out with this lovely dancer, alongside Anne Piegnot, a curator who worked both for the Louvre and Musée D'Orsay. It was all part of the American Friends of the Musée D'Orsay, who held their first gala on Saturday night. It was a wonderful celebration, and amazing to walk through the brand new galleries and have them almost to myself. There was also an amazing edible chocolate painting that we all worked on, but that will be for another post. In the meantime, to learn more about the AFMO, check it out here.
Cool that you went to the gala! Would've loved to see the d'Orsay without all the people =)
ReplyDeleteVolunteering was seriously the best ticket in, and so fun being able to help and interact with guests and museum people alike! There will be more opportunities. This gala is going to become an annual thing.
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Um, totally planning my next trip to Paris around the gala. Done and done.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what a cool experience...and a chocolate painting?! What?! ;)
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Sounds like you had a great time!!
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, there's a little collection of the bronze Degas sculptures at the VMFA in Richmond. Growing up as a dancer, I was always fascinated by them!
On a side note, for one dance performance (when I was younger) we were dressed in Degas inspired tutus! Will never forget how itchy they were ;)