SUBIRANA VERDAGUER | CLASSICAL DANCER | IMPRESSIONISM / DEGAS STYLE | PASTEL ON PAPER

A direct homage to the elegance and suspended movement of Degas's ballerinas.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

Degas's Legacy In this delicate pastel work, Subirana Verdaguer makes no secret of her admiration for the master Edgar Degas; rather, she makes him the central theme. Far from being a mere copy, the piece seeks to capture the ethereal atmosphere of classical ballet that defined late 19th-century French painting. The artist focuses on the solitary figure of a ballerina in a pose ( arabesque or preparation), isolating her in an undefined setting to highlight the purity of line.

Visual Analysis: The Softness of Pastel The pastel technique is the perfect choice for this subject, and Subirana handles it with skill.

• Light and Color: The focal point is the white tutu, rendered with quick, diffused strokes that suggest tulle in motion, contrasting with the sky-blue bodice which adds a cool and elegant touch. The lighting is theatrical, falling on the figure from the left and leaving the background in a warm, twilight of gray and ochre tones.

• Anatomy: The figure is stylized, with elongated limbs that emphasize the grace of ballet. The treatment of the legs and arms, with smooth transitions of flesh tones and pinkish shadows, demonstrates a good understanding of academic drawing.

• The Background: Unlike photographic realism, the background is an atmospheric abstraction, a "fog" of color that envelops the dancer and lifts her off the plane, giving her volume.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY?

• Classical Aesthetics: This is a timeless piece. The ballet theme and impressionistic execution fit perfectly into romantic, classic, or tastefully decorated youth bedrooms.

• Noble Technique: Pastel is a difficult technique that doesn't allow for easy corrections. Here, fluidity and confidence in the stroke are appreciated.

• Luxury Framing: The work is presented in a classic style gold frame with vegetal ornamentation on the profile, which enhances the nobility of the drawing and makes it a ready-to-hang piece with the presence of an "important painting".

• Recognizable Signature: Signed by the author in the lower left corner.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Subirana Verdaguer (Signed "Subirana" in the lower left corner).

• Title / Theme: Classical ballerina in pose.

• Year/Era: 20th Century (Probably the 1970s-80s).

• Technique and Support: Pastel on paper.

• Dimensions: Artwork: 37 x 27 cm | Frame: 53 x 44 x 4.5 cm.

• Signature: Handwritten in reddish pastel in the lower left corner. Identification plaque on the frame.

• Provenance: Private collection.

• Condition: Excellent. The pastel remains vibrant and well-fixed, with no visible pigment loss.

• Inspection Guarantee: 14-day money-back guarantee to inspect the work in person.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

I chose this piece for its delicacy. Sometimes, contemporary art forgets about classical beauty, and this piece is a reminder of it. I especially like how Subirana has rendered the tutu: she hasn't painted each fold, but rather used patches of white pastel to suggest the lightness of the fabric. It's a work that conveys silence and concentration, perfect for a quiet corner.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered accompanied by a technical sheet and historical context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research.