WHAT?  Discover Degas & Miss La La 

WHERE?  Sunley Room, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN

WHEN?  Now until 1st September. Free to visit 

WHY GO?  To unravel a puzzle.  Though Degas and his enthusiasm for ballet is well documented, his foray into the dare-devil world of the circus is lesser known and even more intriguing.  

What inspired the renowned artist to create that jaw dropping painting of a circus performer dangling from a high wire, and who was she?

The answers are all in this beguiling little exhibition that tells the story behind his uniquely famous Cirque Fernando work of art.  

The aerialist was Miss La La and her fascinating life is revealed through photographs, documents and original posters shown alongside the works of Degas.

Born Anna Albertina Olga Brown in 1858, Miss La La, simply Olga to her family, so impressed the impressionable Degas when he saw her technical agility in the Cirque Fernando in 1879 that he set about capturing her image.  She was just 21 at the time.

His initial drawings sit alongside the finished painting which has gone down in art history as a feat of artistic dexterity.

Nicknamed the Black Venus, Olga’s mother was European and father African-American which intrigued Degas, especially since he was the son of a Creole mother.

She achieved adoration and fame during her circus career, married a contortionist and had three daughters all of whom became circus performers. 

It’s rewarding to shine a light on the subject, especially since Miss La La was such a talented artist herself.

IN THE KNOW Aimed at art purists who enjoy delving into the history of lesser known works, Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, 1879, is the third exhibition in the National Gallery’s Discover series and follows their recent much lauded, Liotard & The Lavergne Family Breakfast. 

All are free and offer art lovers a voyage of discovery.