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The Painted Girls,
the second novel by Canadian author Cathy Marie Buchanan, is based on
the life of Marie van Goethem, who was a model for Edgar Degas and the subject
of his sculpture La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans.

Degas’
sculpture caused quite a controversy when it was unveiled at the Sixth
Impressionist Exhibition of 1881. The sculpture was made of wax and featured
actual ballet clothing. Critics felt that the dancer was ugly and “marked by
the hateful promise of every vice.” Marie is also featured in many of Degas’
sketches as well as his paintings, “Dancer with Fan,” “Dancing Lesson,” and
“Dancer Resting.”

In
1880, Marie, her widowed mother and sisters Antoinette and Charlotte live in a
small apartment on the Rue de Douai in Paris. The family is very poor and
survives on the mother’s income as a laundress and what older sister Antoinette
can earn as an extra in the Paris Opera. Mrs. Van Goethem is addicted to
absinthe and the sisters must work together to make ends meet and pay the rent.

Marie
and younger sister Charlotte are accepted into the ballet school of the Paris
Opera and begin rigorous training with the hope of one day performing on stage.
Marie catches the eye of Edgar Degas, who frequents the ballet school,
sketching dancers. He invites her to come to his house and model for him. Marie
cannot refuse, since she knows this will be a steady source of income.

To
complicate matters, Antoinette becomes involved with a young man named, Emile Abadie.
Emile is convicted of a crime and may face the guillotine. Will
Antoinette’s relationship with Emile cause her to forsake her sisters just when
they need her the most?

Also available in:
Audiobook
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Large
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Talking
Book (Restricted to print disabled patrons)

If
you are interested in reading Cathy Marie Buchanan’s first book, please check
out: The
Day the Falls Stood Still