Degas

Edgar Degas Edgar Degas (born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas; 19 July 1834 – 27 September 1917) was a prominent French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance, and over half of his works depict dancers. Degas is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, although he rejected the term, preferring to be called a realist.

Early Life and Education

Degas was born in Paris, France, into a moderately wealthy family. His father, Augustin De Gas, was a banker, and his mother, Célestine Musson De Gas, was from a Creole family in New Orleans, Louisiana. Degas began his schooling at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he received a classical education. He later enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1855, where he studied under Louis Lamothe, a disciple of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Artistic Career

Degas initially intended to become a history painter, a calling for which he prepared by copying the works of the Old Masters at the Louvre. However, his artistic direction changed after meeting Édouard Manet and other contemporary artists. Degas's work is often associated with the subject of dance, and he is known for his depictions of ballet dancers, which constitute more than half of his oeuvre.

Impressionism

Although Degas is often associated with the Impressionist movement, he preferred to be called a realist. He participated in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, and his work was included in most of the subsequent exhibitions. Unlike other Impressionists, Degas did not paint en plein air (outdoors) but preferred to work in his studio.

Techniques and Mediums

Degas was a master of various techniques and mediums, including oil painting, pastel, and sculpture. He is particularly noted for his innovative use of pastel, which he often combined with other media. His sculptures, such as the famous "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years," were not widely known during his lifetime but have since become iconic.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Degas became increasingly reclusive and his eyesight deteriorated, which affected his ability to work. He died in Paris in 1917 and was buried in the Montmartre Cemetery. Degas's work has had a lasting impact on the art world, influencing numerous artists and movements.

Related Pages

• Impressionism
• Édouard Manet
• Louvre
• École des Beaux-Arts
• Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
• Realism