06/07/2026
Little Dancer by Degas, available to view and purchase from the new Parastone collection at
When Degas created the Little Fourteen Year Old Dancer (1880) this came as a shock to the 19th century Paris society. Using the poor, working class ballet student, Marie van Goethem as a model, Degas portrayed the grim reality of the 19th century Parisian ballet dancers. His vision was concentrated on showing the world the exploitation of the working-class society and the moral prejudice that surrounded young ballerinas during that time. Through the use of actual materials, such as: cotton and silk tutu, a linen bodice, satin ballet slippers and a wig of real human hair, Degas in the same time depicted the stages of awkwardness, pain, but also grace of movement and poise with with Marie was moving.
MASA Arts has had a long connection with presenting Degas Little Dancer sculptures within the Gallery, in line with the other unique sculptures and original arts. We wanted to share this story with our audience, so we can showcase that the art is not just what you see in front of you, but what you may not know about the artist and the art, behind the physical piece.
https://www.masa-uk.co.uk/product-page/dega-little-dancer-2
