Edgar Degas

Early Life and Education

Edgar Degas, born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France, was a prominent French artist known for his work in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. Degas was born into a moderately wealthy family, which allowed him the financial stability to pursue his artistic interests. His father, Augustin De Gas, was a banker, and his mother, Célestine Musson De Gas, came from a Creole family in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Degas showed an early interest in art and was encouraged by his father to pursue his passion. He enrolled at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, a prestigious secondary school in Paris, where he received a classical education. In 1853, Degas registered as a copyist at the Louvre Museum, where he meticulously studied the works of the Old Masters. This experience significantly influenced his artistic development.

In 1855, Degas was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under the academic painter Louis Lamothe, a disciple of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Ingres' emphasis on line and draftsmanship had a lasting impact on Degas' work. During this period, Degas also traveled to Italy, where he spent three years studying the works of Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.

Artistic Career

Early Works

Degas' early works were primarily historical paintings, a genre that was highly regarded in academic circles at the time. One of his notable early works is "The Young Spartans Exercising" (c. 1860), which reflects his academic training and interest in classical themes. However, Degas soon became disillusioned with historical painting and began to explore contemporary subjects.

Transition to Modern Life

By the late 1860s, Degas shifted his focus to scenes of modern life, particularly the urban environment of Paris. He became associated with the Impressionist movement, although he preferred to be called a "Realist" or "Independent." Unlike many of his Impressionist contemporaries, Degas was less interested in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere and more focused on the human figure and the complexities of modern life.

Ballet and Dancers

One of Degas' most famous subjects was the ballet. He produced numerous paintings, pastels, and sculptures depicting ballet dancers in various poses and settings. Works such as "The Dance Class" (1874) and "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" (1881) showcase his keen observation of movement and anatomy. Degas often depicted dancers backstage or in rehearsal, capturing the arduous and often unglamorous aspects of their profession.

Portraits

Degas was also an accomplished portraitist. His portraits are known for their psychological depth and meticulous attention to detail. Notable examples include "Portrait of the Bellelli Family" (1858-1867) and "Woman with Chrysanthemums" (1865). Degas' portraits often reveal the inner lives of his subjects, conveying a sense of introspection and emotional complexity.

Later Works and Techniques

In his later years, Degas experimented with various techniques and media, including monotype and photography. He also became increasingly interested in sculpture, creating a series of small bronzes that were cast posthumously. Degas' later works are characterized by a looser, more expressive style, as seen in his series of nudes and bathers.

Techniques and Style

Degas was a master of various artistic techniques. He was known for his innovative use of pastels, which he often combined with other media such as oil paint and charcoal. Degas' pastels are notable for their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. He also experimented with printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, and monotype, pushing the boundaries of these media to achieve unique effects.

Degas' approach to composition was highly original. He often employed unconventional viewpoints and cropping, influenced by the burgeoning field of photography and Japanese prints. His compositions frequently feature asymmetrical arrangements and off-center subjects, creating a sense of spontaneity and movement.

Personal Life

Degas was known for his reclusive and often irascible personality. He never married and had few close friends. Despite his solitary nature, Degas maintained a lifelong friendship with fellow artist Édouard Manet and was a central figure in the Impressionist group. He participated in seven of the eight Impressionist exhibitions held between 1874 and 1886.

Degas' later years were marked by deteriorating eyesight, which increasingly affected his ability to work. Despite this, he continued to create art until his death. Degas passed away on September 27, 1917, in Paris, leaving behind a rich legacy that has had a lasting impact on the art world.

Legacy

Edgar Degas is considered one of the most important artists of the 19th century. His innovative techniques and unique approach to composition have influenced generations of artists. Degas' works are held in major museums around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the National Gallery in London.

Degas' exploration of modern life and his focus on the human figure have made him a pivotal figure in the transition from traditional academic art to the more experimental approaches of the 20th century. His work continues to be studied and admired for its technical mastery and profound insight into the human condition.

References

Kendall, Richard. "Degas: Beyond Impressionism." London: National Gallery Publications, 1996.
Boggs, Jean Sutherland. "Degas." New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1988.
Armstrong, Carol. "Odd Man Out: Readings of the Work and Reputation of Edgar Degas." Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1991.