The Met's lesser-known (but most stylish!) works of art in New York

Although Degas, like van Gogh, is one of the best-known of these painters, this work is full of originality and is rarely analysed, cited or highlighted. This 1879 monochrome, in the unusual shape of a fan, was inspired by the Japanese art of lacquer, a very fine art made from metallic elements. Here, the paint is composed of silver powder and tin gouache. The gold outlines are not actually gold at all, but brass. The other interesting feature of the painting is the representation of dance, an obsession of Edgar's that can be found in most of his paintings, particularly the dancers. The work raises questions about the origins of this monomania for the dancing female body: absinthe or naked women, we leave you to judge for yourself.

Yes, we said no van Gogh, but wait! This one is a bit special for several reasons. It stands in stark contrast to his other best-known works. Gone are the flowers, the self-portraits and the country atmosphere. Here we have an Algerian soldier who actually existed. The garish colours are a reminder that the 'Zouaves', a regiment of Algerian soldiers, wore these clothes to attract enemy machine-gun fire and create a diversion. For the record, van Gogh found this painting quite hideous. All in all, it was the perfect way to shine in a conversation about the famous red-haired painter.

The corner of the museum where the work will most attract your curiosity is surely the contemporary art section, with works that will make you say to yourself "What? Is this a joke?" Between indignation and astonishment or a mixture of admiration and surprise, these sculptures, paintings and objects leave no one indifferent. Here Russel Wright, the famous American artist and designer, presents us with... his crockery - yes, it's just a bowl, but don't go away just yet! His work is acclaimed for its practicality and purity. A true figurehead of modernism in the United States in the 30s and 40s, this philosophical and artistic movement advocates the ability of human beings to restructure their environment. This is the moment during your visit when you can hold your chin up, look at a fork and nod your head - who hasn't dreamt of that?