Le foyer de la danse à l'Opéra de la rue Le Peletier Circa 1950

Produced circa 1950 by Art-Litho in Paris, this original poster was printed in color lithography after Edgar Degas’s celebrated painting Le Foyer de la danse à l’Opéra de la rue Le Peletier. The edition was authorized by the Degas estate in 1948 and limited to 300 impressions. This example is numbered 211/300.

The composition depicts a rehearsal inside the dance foyer of the former Paris Opera on rue Le Peletier. A ballerina begins her exercise in the open space at left while other dancers practise at the barre or wait for their turn. Ballet master Louis Mérante stands beside a seated violinist, directing the class with an expressive movement of his hand.

Degas organizes the room around the monumental central arch and its mirror, which extends the scene through reflected figures. The broad expanse of wooden floor creates a sense of depth and directs attention toward the solitary dancer. White tutus, coloured ribbons and pale pink shoes stand out delicately against the warm ochre walls and restrained architectural setting.

Edgar Degas was one of the most influential artists associated with French Impressionism, although he preferred to describe himself as a realist. Fascinated by the Paris Opera, he repeatedly depicted dancers during rehearsals, exercises and moments of rest. Rather than concentrating exclusively on theatrical performance, he explored the discipline, physical effort and everyday routine hidden behind the spectacle.

With its elegant ballet subject, harmonious colours and limited Art-Litho production, this original circa-1950 poster is particularly appealing to collectors of Degas, Paris Opera history and French dance imagery. Its horizontal format and refined postwar printing also give it a strong decorative presence in a living room, music room, dance studio or classical interior.

First original edition by Art-Litho (a lithographic publishing house), authorized by the Degas estate in 1948 and limited to 300 copies.

Lithograph after the painting of the same name in the Musée d'Orsay

Dance - Education

Numbered 211 on 300, signed

Good condition, a small tear