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Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas, Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando

Key facts
Full title Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando
Artist Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas
Artist dates 1834 - 1917
Date made 1879
Medium and support Oil on canvas
Dimensions 117.2 × 77.5 cm
Inscription summary Signed
Acquisition credit Bought, Courtauld Fund, 1925
Inventory number NG4121
Location Room 44
Collection Main Collection
Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando
Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas

The acrobat Miss La La caused a sensation when she performed at the Cirque Fernando in Paris. Here she is shown suspended from the rafters of the circus dome by a rope clenched between her teeth.

Degas sought out such striking modern subjects, concentrating on figures in arresting poses. In January 1879 he make a series of drawings at the Cirque Fernando including a pastel study of Miss La La (London, Tate Gallery), which culminated in this painting. We view the spectacle as the audience would have done, gazing up at the daring feat taking place above.

The painting was exhibited at the fourth Impressionist exhibition held in April 1879.

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