The Star | Edgar Degas, 1876

This work by French painter, Edgar Degas, hangs in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Degas, an Impressionist, was fascinated by movement and painted many scenes with dancers in preparation and performance using his brush to focus our attention on the athletic and artistic effort made to look easy by his subjects. The Star is a delicate depiction of movement both in the main dancer’s position and in the partial figures encased in the stage curtain. Degas had nearly unheard of backstage privileges and often painted pre-stage and on-stage views. The curtain here representing what happens behind it and taking up a large portion of the canvas looks almost geologic in its density and presence. Could it represent the foreboding, crushing weight of ballet and its standards? This young woman shines as a star and at a price. Degas’ fine brushwork seems to name his solidarity with her in the unforgiving life of the artist.

As the real effects of the pandemic shift down through our consciousness, our expectations and plans, the realization of the economic hardship for performance artists becomes clear. When you have paid your life for audiences in now closed venues the truth is another harshness of these times. Think of the musicians, dancers, actors who have done the outlier hours and faced the discouraging proportion of auditions to jobs. Think of those who had survival-required day jobs in other crowded places now closed. Think of the communities of shows and symphonies, bands and choirs disbanded indefinitely.

Our prayers for help and hope for these members of our world can join our fervent prayers for all people.  May we keep them on the list that we lift up to our creator, these living examples of gifts given, gifts received and diligently shared. May we name our caring in God’s goodness and generosity.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty