Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

Edgar Degas, Self-Portrait, c. 1855, NGA 73867

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Edgar Degas - The Ballet Class - Google Art Project

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Edgar Degas (19 July 1834 – 27 September 1917) was a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than 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. He was a superb draftsman, and particularly masterly in depicting movement, as can be seen in his renditions of dancers, racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are notable for their psychological complexity and for their portrayal of human isolation.

Early Life

Born in Paris, France, Edgar Degas was the eldest of five children of Célestine Musson De Gas, a Creole from New Orleans, and Augustin De Gas, a banker. The family was moderately wealthy, which allowed Degas to pursue his interests in art from a young age. He began his education at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, and later studied law, briefly, at the request of his father. However, his passion for art prevailed, and he soon entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, studying under Louis Lamothe, who instilled in him a traditional approach to drawing.

Artistic Career

Degas's early work consisted primarily of drawings and paintings of historical subjects, but he soon shifted his focus to contemporary life. He became a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene, joining forces with other artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro, who were collectively known as the Impressionists. Despite his association, Degas's approach differed from his peers. He had little interest in landscape painting and was preoccupied with the figure, particularly in indoor settings.

Degas's interest in photography influenced his work, particularly his use of unusual viewpoints and his experiments with light and shadow. He was also influenced by Japanese prints, which is evident in his off-center compositions and his use of space.

Techniques and Innovations

Degas experimented with various media, including oil, pastel, and sculpture. He is particularly renowned for his use of pastels, which allowed him to achieve vibrant colors and textures. His sculptures, most of which were modeled in wax and only cast in bronze after his death, show his ability to capture movement and his keen eye for detail.

Legacy

Degas's contribution to art extends beyond his immediate impact on the Impressionist movement. His exploration of movement and his innovative use of composition have influenced generations of artists. He is celebrated for his relentless experimentation with new techniques and his dedication to portraying the truth of human experience through art.

Degas died in Paris in 1917, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to be celebrated for its originality and depth. His art is displayed in major museums around the world, testament to his enduring influence on the visual arts.