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Degas, Notebook 23, about 1879

See some of the rapid pencil sketches Degas made as he watched Miss La La perform

This notebook was used by Edgar Degas around the time he visited the Cirque Fernando in January 1879 when he sketched Miss La La in her signature 'Iron Jaw' act. To capture the speed of the performances, he tilted the notebook at different angles, with some of the drawings upside down or sideways as a result.

 

Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834–1917), Notebook 23, about 1879

Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des Estampes et de la photographie, Réserve DC-327 (D, 23) – 4