Edgar Degas (1834—1917) was a French Impressionist and is most well-known for his oil paintings, pastel drawings, and bronze sculptures. He is considered one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, but unlike his contemporaries, he mainly produced depictions of figures rather than landscapes. His work most notably illustrates movement—some of his most famous pieces feature ballet dancers.
Degas received a formal art education and attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. During his studies and early career, he was heavily influenced by the works of Renaissance artists. This is especially exemplified in the Head of a Young Man in Profile—he used Classical techniques, portrayed the nobility of human beings, and used realism in the face. While Degas’s interest in portraiture remained constant, he became increasingly interested in how someone’s mind and attitude could be portrayed through their countenance.
Portrait de Famille- Musée d'Orsay
Family (After Degas' Bellelli Family)- Eskenazi Museum of Art
Degas studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. He was heavily influenced by the Renaissance masters—El Greco, Michelangelo, and Raphael. To practice his technique, he would sketch using their work as reference. He was intrigued most by the side characters; the background figures that complimented the heroes in the paintings.
The Bellelli Family is one of Degas’s earliest pieces. While living in Italy, he studied different members of his family, their attitudes, and their relationships with each other. Unlike conventional portraits, he sketched each family member separately and then compiled their figures into the same space. The awkward posturing of the figures shows familial tension, individual personalities, and alludes to an unhappy home life.
Degas was independently wealthy for most of his life and never needed to sell his paintings or take on students for a living. Nevertheless, his work has been highly influential to modern artists. The style of the Bellelli Family was used by Betty Hahn in her woodcut. Looking at the two images above, what similarities do you notice? What new elements did Betty Hahn add to her version?
The Case for Impressionism- the Art Assignment
Impressionism rose in the 19th century in response to the rigid rules and regulations of the conventional art scene in Paris. Some notable features of the movement include visible brush strokes; modern, ordinary life; and an accurate depiction of light as it travels through the day. Watch this video to learn more about how Impressionism changed the world of art.
The Little Fourteen Year Old Dancer- 3D Model
Degas is arguably best known for his pieces showcasing ballerinas. He liked to portray candid moments and movement. The piece above was originally a wax sculpture that was bronzed after his death. It’s noted for the hyperrealism in the form as well as the authentic clothing and wig made of real hair.
Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty- Museum of Modern Art
While Degas was drawn to portraiture and depicting everyday life, he dappled in landscape as well. To learn more about how he experimented with monotype to produce his landscapes, see this video.
