The bronze casts of figures by Degas were all cast after the artist's death and without his authorization. Many wax figures by Degas were purchased by Paul Mellon and are still accessible at his estate and at the National Gallery. The surfaces of bronze vs. wax are compared and it is noted that the <i>Little Dancer</i>'s fabric tutu seems more appropriate in the versions made of wax rather than the versions in bronze seen in museums. Condition and technique used in the wax models are described in some detail. Conservator Joseph Ternbach examined and reported on the waxes in 1955. There is debate about whether the waxes were made to be cast or as temporary models for the artist's paintings. Some waxes were apparently worked over by the sculptor Bartholomé in the 1920's and the Hébrard foundry rebuilt many of the armatures. The author notes: The fate of Degas' sculpture represents an impressive cautionary tale, not only for historians but for any sculptor contemplating the disposition of artworks from his or her estate. -- AATA