Edgar Degas, Musicians in the Orchestra, 1872

For the first time, in this crucial work, the artist addresses the theme of the ballerina that was to become such a central feature of his artistic output. One of the leading figures in the Impressionist school, Degas has chosen an unusual and intriguing viewpoint for this picture.  We see exactly what the musicians, seen from behind against the light, would have seen as they observed the ballerinas bathed in light on the stage. The result is a kind of picture within a picture, in which the painter explores and enhances the mechanics of vision.