Where to See Singer in Green: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Edgar Degas captured this café-concert performer in 1878, showing a singer mid-performance in a striking green dress. Her theatrical gesture and artificial lighting create a vivid impression of Parisian nightlife. Degas's pastel technique allows bold colors and spontaneous marks that convey the performer's energy.

Degas frequently depicted entertainers in Paris's cafés and music halls. His Impressionist eye for unusual angles and fleeting moments distinguishes these works. Now at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

The painting marked a turning point in artistic technique or subject matter.

This pastel is at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The museum has an excellent Impressionist collection including multiple works by Degas showing performers and dancers.

Degas famously painted ballet dancers, but also depicted café singers, laundresses, and horse races. His unusual compositions and interest in artificial light distinguished him among the Impressionists.

Degas worked in pastel, which allowed the vibrant green of the singer's dress and the spontaneous marks suggesting theatrical energy. He increasingly preferred pastel in his later career.

Singer in Green

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Historical Significance

More by Edgar Degas

Madame Rene De Gas

Dancers Practicing at the Barre

Mademoiselle Malo

The Cafe Concert

Also at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Grainstack in Winter, Misty Weather

Grainstack in Sunshine

Fishing Boats at Capri

Aurora Triumphing over Night

Dancer in Green Tutu

Degas in a Green Jacket

Dancers, Pink and Green

Street Singer

Grainstacks at Giverny, Sunset

Grainstacks at Giverny, Morning Effect

The Fifer

Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette

Music in the Tuileries

Woman with a Parasol

Luncheon of the Boating Party

Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl

About Singer in Green

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