Edgar Degas, born on July 19, 1834, was a distinctive force in the art world who forever shaped the course of modern art.
Degas was an extraordinary draftsman and a superb artist who excelled in the depiction of movement, particularly as it pertained to dancers, racehorses, and female nudes. Although best known as a painter and sculptor, Degas also ventured into lithographs and etchings, constantly pushing boundaries and evolving his artistic style.
Early Life and Education
Edgar Degas, born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas in Paris, France, was the eldest son in a wealthy banking family. As a youngster, he displayed a great passion for art and was heavily encouraged by his father to pursue his artistic ambitions.
He received formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under Louis Lamothe, a student of the classical artist Ingres. Degas's early works reflect the teachings of his masters, showing a careful attention to line and an interest in historical subjects.
Cities That Shaped Degas
Paris
Paris, the city of Degas's birth and life, was a significant source of inspiration. As an artist, he thrived amidst the cultural richness, political turmoil, and social change of 19th century Paris. Degas’s quintessential scenes of Parisian life, its ballet dancers, laundresses, milliners, and horse races, are all a testament to his deep connection with the city.
Italy
Between 1856 and 1859, Degas travelled extensively through Italy, living for a time in Rome, Naples, and Florence. He studied the works of Italian Renaissance masters, and his time in Italy helped refine his draftsmanship and understanding of human anatomy.
United States
Degas also visited the United States in 1872, staying in New Orleans, Louisiana. This visit resulted in several significant paintings, including "A Cotton Office in New Orleans," the only one of his works acquired by a museum during his lifetime.
A Cornerstone of Impressionism
While Degas is often associated with the Impressionists, he considered himself a realist, albeit one with an innovative twist. He was a prominent figure in organizing the Impressionist exhibitions and defended the group against critics. Still, he held certain reservations about the movement's plein air (outdoor) painting techniques, preferring to work in a studio.
Degas's contribution to Impressionism lies in his novel composition, his experimental approach to color and form, and his exploration of not just the natural world, but also modern Parisian life. His preferred subjects were dancers, women at their toilette, café-concert scenes, and horse races.
Iconic Works
Degas's oeuvre is wide-ranging, but several works stand out for their enduring appeal and art historical significance:
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"The Dance Class" (1874): One of his most famous works, this painting captures the raw behind-the-scenes life of Paris's dance studios. It showcases Degas's ability to depict complex spatial relationships and his unique approach to composition.
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"L'Absinthe" (1876): This painting is a frank portrayal of despair and isolation in the modern urban environment. It caused a scandal when first exhibited because of its uncompromising depiction of the social realities of the era.
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"The Ballet Class" (1881): This painting is a classic example of Degas's preoccupation with ballet dancers. He focused on the arduous training and the physical strain evident in the dancers, a far cry from their glamorous onstage appearances.
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"A Cotton Office in New Orleans" (1873): Created during his visit to America, this painting gives an insight into the global cotton trade, as observed by the artist himself.
Edgar Degas died in Paris in 1917, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire and fascinate. His innovative techniques and unique perspectives still captivate audiences today, marking him as a pioneering force of 19th-century art.
