About Edgar Degas
Dancers, racecourses and cafe nights, cropped like a snapshot
Edgar Degas was a French painter and sculptor born in Paris in 1834.
Edgar Degas at a glance
- Born: 1834, in Paris, France
- Died: 1917, in Paris
- Nationality: French
- Known for: Dancers, racecourses, cafes and theater scenes
- Medium: Oil, pastel and sculpture
- Style or Movement: Impressionism, though he preferred the label Realist
- Education: École des Beaux-Arts in Paris
- Notable works: The Dance Class, L’Absinthe, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen
“His ability to capture the essence of movement, the play of light, and the emotional depth of his subjects continues to resonate with audiences.”
He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under a disciple of Ingres, where he developed the great drawing ability that became a hallmark of his art. He is usually classed with the Impressionists and exhibited with them in seven of their eight exhibitions. However, his training in classical drafting and his dislike of painting directly from nature produced a style that offered a related but distinct alternative to Impressionism.
He was attracted by theatrical subjects and depicted racecourses, theaters, cafés, and music halls.
His study of Japanese prints led him to experiment with unusual visual angles and asymmetrical compositions. His subjects often appear cropped at the edges, as seen in “Ballet Rehearsal.” In “Woman with Chrysanthemums,” the female subject is pushed into a corner by a large bouquet of flowers. He was a keen observer of humanity, particularly of women, and cultivated objectivity in his portraits and studies of dancers and laundresses.
In the 1880s, his failing eyesight led him to work in sculpture and pastel.
His pastels are simple compositions that depend on vibrant colors and meaningful gestures rather than precise lines. His sculptures attempted to capture the action of the moment, with ballet dancers and female nudes in poses that reveal their physical exertions. Despite his limitations, these works are eloquent and expressive, with a simple grandeur. He died in Paris in 1917, and his true stature became evident after his death.
Edgar Degas was a master of modern art whose innovative compositions and perceptive analysis of movement made him one of the leading figures of the late 19th century. His work bridged classical tradition and Impressionist innovation, capturing the essence of modern life with compelling candor. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
