Edgar Degas’s “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” is made of...what?   The French painter and sculptor defied convention by dressing his sculpture in real clothing. But his commitment to innovation went even further—Degas used actual human hair for the dancer’s tresses. 😳 The locks were long assumed to be horsehair until our scientists studied a sample. Degas covered the hair in pigmented beeswax to meld with the rest of the sculpture.   This “Little Dancer” is unique for its use of these unusual materials. For the rest of his wax sculptures of dancers, bathers, and horses, Degas made the hair out of wax.   If you’re curious to learn about other artists who used daring materials for their creations, tap the link in our bio 🔍 __   🩰 Edgar Degas, “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen,” 1878-1881, pigmented beeswax, clay, metal armature, rope, paintbrushes, human hair, silk and linen ribbon, cotton faille bodice, cotton and silk tutu, linen slippers, on wooden base, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul M...