The Rehearsal of the Ballet Onstage, Degas

Three versions of this same painting are known, two at the MET in New York and a black and white one at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

It depicts the general rehearsal with excitement and all the elements that will be used in the final performance: scenery, costumes, hairstyles, and lighting. The work of light and shadow stands out, a recurring element in his creations.
Unlike painters of his era who also depicted ballet scenes, Edgar found beauty in rehearsals that other artists missed. The faces of the girls reflect the characteristic fatigue of the moment. The master painter combined oil, watercolor, and pastel in this work, giving the scene a "darkness full of light and brilliance", aiming to portray those dark and painful moments of preparation, essential to bring a masterpiece to life.