A c. 1861 oil on canvas painting, Young Spartans Exercising, by Edgar Degas (1834-1917), the French impressionist painter. A typical early work of the artist when he was still interested in becoming a historical painter. The frieze-like quality reminds of Neoclassical art. The scene may be interpreted as an athletic battle between the sexes. The boys seems more confident, the girls rather a mix with one being held back and another lunging towards the males as if in a challenge. Then again, the full original title is revealing: The Young Spartan Girls Provoking the Boys. In the centre at a distance, the elders of the community look on. (National Gallery, London)
Cite This Work
APA Style
Gallery, N. (2021, June 14). Young Spartans Exercising by Degas. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14242/young-spartans-exercising-by-degas/
Chicago Style
Gallery, National. "Young Spartans Exercising by Degas." World History Encyclopedia, June 14, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14242/young-spartans-exercising-by-degas/.
MLA Style
Gallery, National. "Young Spartans Exercising by Degas." World History Encyclopedia, 14 Jun 2021, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14242/young-spartans-exercising-by-degas/.
