From Degas to Lessore: Circus daredevils in art
About
Historian Jason Price takes a closer look at what made commercial entertainments an appealing subject for artists in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The circus, in particular, with its acts of physical daring, vibrant colour palette, and innovative, spectacular pleasures came to be regarded by artists searching for a visual language to record the aesthetics and effects of the rapidly changing modern world as an ideal vehicle.
Focus will also be given to Thérèse Lessore, a founding member of The London Group and whose painting ‘The Daredevils’ features in our exhibition ‘Discover Degas and Miss La La’.
Held on what would have been her 140th birthday, Jason’s talk sheds light on Lessore’s remarkable career and some of her most vibrant circus paintings.
Your speaker
Dr Jason Price is a theatre historian and Reader in Theatre & Performance Studies at the University of Sussex. His research is concerned with the relationships and intersections between performance, politics and popular entertainment since the Industrial Revolution. He is the author of 'Modern Popular Theatre' and 'The Art of Entertainment: Popular Performance in Modern British Art 1880-1940'. His third book, 'Researching Popular Entertainment', co-edited with Dr Kim Baston, will be out later this year.
Supported by
Supported by Elizabeth and Daniel Peltz OBE
Lunchtime talk
From Degas to Lessore: Circus daredevils in art
Free
Although this event does not require booking, we encourage you to book a free Gallery entry ticket to gain admission to the National Gallery and save time on arrival.
Please note, Gallery entry does not guarantee admission to this event. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.