Degas, Edgar
Introduction
Born into a wealthy Parisian family in 1834, Edgar Degas would rise to become one of the defining figures of Impressionism. Though often associated with the movement’s fascination with modern life and fleeting moments, Degas remained stylistically independent throughout his career, blending classical draftsmanship with bold compositional experimentation.
Today, he is celebrated for his masterful depictions of ballet dancers, racehorses, cafés and Parisian society, as well as for his pioneering explorations of movement, perspective and gesture. His innovative approach profoundly influenced the trajectory of Modern Art.
Early Life and Education
As a child, Degas demonstrated aptitude in both drawing and academics, though he was reportedly introspective and often lost in thought. Art historians remain fascinated by his relatively early and determined decision to pursue painting professionally.
During his teenage years, Degas received permission to sketch works at the Louvre, carefully studying the techniques of the Old Masters. He later apprenticed under Louis Lamothe before enrolling at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Around this time, Degas met the great Neoclassical artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who offered advice that would deeply shape Degas’ artistic philosophy:
|
“Never work from nature, always from memory and the engravings of masters.” Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres |
Recognizing that artistic excellence required intense discipline, Degas soon transformed from a somewhat unfocused student into an exceptionally rigorous draftsman and observer.
Early Career and Travels to Italy
Following Ingres’ advice, Degas spent his early career studying and copying the works of Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance masters. Yet unlike a mere imitator, Degas subtly altered forms, color and line, gradually developing a highly personal visual language.
In 1856, Degas traveled extensively throughout Italy, where he immersed himself in portraiture, historical painting and the study of everyday Italian life. During this formative period, he created one of his earliest masterpieces, The Bellelli Family, a psychologically charged portrait renowned for its remarkable tension and emotional complexity.
The composition captures the strained relationship between members of the Bellelli household through posture, spacing and expression — an approach that demonstrated Degas’ extraordinary ability to transform portraiture into narrative drama.
Like Paul Gauguin, who would later challenge traditional artistic conventions, Degas reinterpreted classical art through an increasingly modern lens.
Introduction to Modern Art
Returning to Paris in 1859, Degas began experimenting with historical compositions and innovative painting techniques. One of his notable technical developments involved “essence painting,” a process in which oil paint was thinned and partially dried before being applied to woven paper. The resulting surfaces possessed unusual vibrancy, texture and luminosity.
Throughout the early 1860s, however, Degas struggled to achieve major recognition. This changed dramatically after he befriended Édouard Manet, who introduced him to the rapidly evolving world of modern Parisian art.
Through Manet and other avant-garde artists, Degas became increasingly involved in the emerging Impressionist movement. Yet unlike many of his contemporaries who favored outdoor painting, Degas preferred carefully constructed studio compositions and often worked from memory rather than direct observation.
His innovative cropping, unusual perspectives and fascination with movement distinguished him as one of the most experimental artists of his generation.
Commercial Success and Ballet Dancers
Unlike many artists of his era, Degas initially enjoyed financial stability due to his father’s wealth and therefore felt little pressure to sell his paintings. However, after his father’s death left the family in financial difficulty, Degas turned his attention more seriously toward the international art market.
Collectors in London and America quickly responded to his highly original interpretations of modern Parisian life, and his reputation steadily grew.
During this period, Degas discovered the subject that would become synonymous with his name: ballet dancers. Granted access behind the scenes at the Paris Opéra, Degas depicted dancers stretching, rehearsing, waiting backstage and performing.
Rather than idealized spectacles, these compositions often capture fleeting, candid moments filled with psychological nuance and physical exhaustion. The apparent unawareness of his subjects creates an intimate sense of observation that became one of Degas’ defining artistic achievements.
Today, these ballerina paintings remain among the most celebrated works within Impressionist Art.
New Orleans and Later Career
In 1872, Degas traveled to New Orleans to visit his brother René and his American family. Fascinated by the city’s riverboats, music, architecture and cultural diversity, Degas nevertheless found himself deeply homesick for Paris.
Disillusioned by what he perceived as America’s intense focus on commerce and industry, Degas never again traveled outside France after returning home.
Back in Paris, Degas became a central figure within the independent exhibitions organized by the avant-garde artists later associated with Impressionism. Though initially mocked by critics, these exhibitions eventually transformed the course of modern art history.
By the 1880s and 1890s, Degas had become both increasingly private and increasingly experimental. While many friendships faded, he continued to innovate artistically, exploring sculpture, pastel and photography alongside painting.
Legacy
In his later years, Degas moved progressively away from strict Realism toward more expressive explorations of line, movement and color. His sculptures and late pastel works reveal an artist constantly reinventing himself while remaining deeply committed to technical excellence.
Today, Degas is widely regarded as one of the greatest artistic innovators of the 19th century. His influence extends far beyond Impressionism, shaping the development of modern composition, photography-inspired framing and expressive figuration.
Collectors seeking important works by Edgar Degas and other celebrated Impressionist artists are invited to explore M.S. Rau’s curated collection of fine art. Our holdings frequently include exceptional works by masters of French Impressionism and related movements, each carefully selected for quality, authenticity and historical significance.
Quick Facts
|
Continue Your ExplorationDiscover works by Edgar Degas and other influential figures of French Impressionism through M.S. Rau’s distinguished collection of museum-quality paintings and works on paper. |
Degas, Edgar
Introduction
Born into a wealthy Parisian family in 1834, Edgar Degas would rise to become one of the defining figures of Impressionism. Though often associated with the movement’s fascination with modern life and fleeting moments, Degas remained stylistically independent throughout his career, blending classical draftsmanship with bold compositional experimentation.
Today, he is celebrated for his masterful depictions of ballet dancers, racehorses, cafés and Parisian society, as well as for his pioneering explorations of movement, perspective and gesture. His innovative approach profoundly influenced the trajectory of Modern Art.
Early Life and Education
As a child, Degas demonstrated aptitude in both drawing and academics, though he was reportedly introspective and often lost in thought. Art historians remain fascinated by his relatively early and determined decision to pursue painting professionally.
During his teenage years, Degas received permission to sketch works at the Louvre, carefully studying the techniques of the Old Masters. He later apprenticed under Louis Lamothe before enrolling at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Around this time, Degas met the great Neoclassical artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who offered advice that would deeply shape Degas’ artistic philosophy:
|
“Never work from nature, always from memory and the engravings of masters.” Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres |
Recognizing that artistic excellence required intense discipline, Degas soon transformed from a somewhat unfocused student into an exceptionally rigorous draftsman and observer.
Early Career and Travels to Italy
Following Ingres’ advice, Degas spent his early career studying and copying the works of Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance masters. Yet unlike a mere imitator, Degas subtly altered forms, color and line, gradually developing a highly personal visual language.
In 1856, Degas traveled extensively throughout Italy, where he immersed himself in portraiture, historical painting and the study of everyday Italian life. During this formative period, he created one of his earliest masterpieces, The Bellelli Family, a psychologically charged portrait renowned for its remarkable tension and emotional complexity.
The composition captures the strained relationship between members of the Bellelli household through posture, spacing and expression — an approach that demonstrated Degas’ extraordinary ability to transform portraiture into narrative drama.
Like Paul Gauguin, who would later challenge traditional artistic conventions, Degas reinterpreted classical art through an increasingly modern lens.
Introduction to Modern Art
Returning to Paris in 1859, Degas began experimenting with historical compositions and innovative painting techniques. One of his notable technical developments involved “essence painting,” a process in which oil paint was thinned and partially dried before being applied to woven paper. The resulting surfaces possessed unusual vibrancy, texture and luminosity.
Throughout the early 1860s, however, Degas struggled to achieve major recognition. This changed dramatically after he befriended Édouard Manet, who introduced him to the rapidly evolving world of modern Parisian art.
Through Manet and other avant-garde artists, Degas became increasingly involved in the emerging Impressionist movement. Yet unlike many of his contemporaries who favored outdoor painting, Degas preferred carefully constructed studio compositions and often worked from memory rather than direct observation.
His innovative cropping, unusual perspectives and fascination with movement distinguished him as one of the most experimental artists of his generation.
Commercial Success and Ballet Dancers
Unlike many artists of his era, Degas initially enjoyed financial stability due to his father’s wealth and therefore felt little pressure to sell his paintings. However, after his father’s death left the family in financial difficulty, Degas turned his attention more seriously toward the international art market.
Collectors in London and America quickly responded to his highly original interpretations of modern Parisian life, and his reputation steadily grew.
During this period, Degas discovered the subject that would become synonymous with his name: ballet dancers. Granted access behind the scenes at the Paris Opéra, Degas depicted dancers stretching, rehearsing, waiting backstage and performing.
Rather than idealized spectacles, these compositions often capture fleeting, candid moments filled with psychological nuance and physical exhaustion. The apparent unawareness of his subjects creates an intimate sense of observation that became one of Degas’ defining artistic achievements.
Today, these ballerina paintings remain among the most celebrated works within Impressionist Art.
New Orleans and Later Career
In 1872, Degas traveled to New Orleans to visit his brother René and his American family. Fascinated by the city’s riverboats, music, architecture and cultural diversity, Degas nevertheless found himself deeply homesick for Paris.
Disillusioned by what he perceived as America’s intense focus on commerce and industry, Degas never again traveled outside France after returning home.
Back in Paris, Degas became a central figure within the independent exhibitions organized by the avant-garde artists later associated with Impressionism. Though initially mocked by critics, these exhibitions eventually transformed the course of modern art history.
By the 1880s and 1890s, Degas had become both increasingly private and increasingly experimental. While many friendships faded, he continued to innovate artistically, exploring sculpture, pastel and photography alongside painting.
Legacy
In his later years, Degas moved progressively away from strict Realism toward more expressive explorations of line, movement and color. His sculptures and late pastel works reveal an artist constantly reinventing himself while remaining deeply committed to technical excellence.
Today, Degas is widely regarded as one of the greatest artistic innovators of the 19th century. His influence extends far beyond Impressionism, shaping the development of modern composition, photography-inspired framing and expressive figuration.
Collectors seeking important works by Edgar Degas and other celebrated Impressionist artists are invited to explore M.S. Rau’s curated collection of fine art. Our holdings frequently include exceptional works by masters of French Impressionism and related movements, each carefully selected for quality, authenticity and historical significance.
Quick Facts
|
Continue Your ExplorationDiscover works by Edgar Degas and other influential figures of French Impressionism through M.S. Rau’s distinguished collection of museum-quality paintings and works on paper. |
