 Edgar
Degas (1834-1917) was a prominent French artist,
known for his outspoken support of a new 19th century
artistic movement presently called Impressionism.
Although he is remembered for organizing the first
exhibition of Impressionists, he preferred to call
himself a Realist, indicating his interest in drawing
inspiration from his own environment and experiences.
Pastels were Degas' medium of choice as he created
his famous depictions of the human figure in motion.
His work stands apart from other Impressionists,
who focused on effects of natural light, shadow,
and atmosphere and created form by juxtaposing brushstrokes
of color. Degas, rather, was drawn to observations
of laundresses, milliners, and ballet dancers at
work, and he painted his pictures using unusual
perspectives and complex formal structures. He often
worked from memory, sketching from models who posed
in his studio. Degas also collected art and ended
his life with an extensive collection that was auctioned
off in 1918. "What a delightful thing is the
conversation of specialists! One understands absolutely
nothing and it's charming." |
