Morgan Auctions
Los 592
Certainly! Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was a French artist famous for his contributions to Impressionism, particularly in the field of painting and sculpture. Here are key points about Edgar Degas:1. **Early Life:** Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas, known as Edgar Degas, was born on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France, into a prosperous family with connections to the banking industry.2. **Artistic Education:** Degas initially studied law but decided to pursue art and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He studied under the academic painter Louis Lamothe and became friends with fellow artists like Édouard Manet.3. **Impressionism:** Degas is often associated with the Impressionist movement, although he preferred to be considered an independent realist. He exhibited in several of the Impressionist exhibitions, sharing common interests with artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.4. **Subject Matter:** Degas is best known for his depictions of ballet dancers, horse racing, and Parisian scenes. He captured moments of modern urban life, often focusing on movement, light, and the human figure.5. **Ballet Dancers:** One of Degas's most iconic subjects is ballet dancers. He created numerous paintings, drawings, and sculptures depicting dancers in various poses and stages of rehearsal.6. **Innovative Compositions:** Degas was innovative in his compositions, using unusual angles and perspectives. He frequently cropped his compositions to focus on specific details, creating a sense of immediacy.7. **Media:** Degas worked in various media, including oil painting, pastel, sculpture, and printmaking. His use of pastels was particularly notable, and he created vibrant and dynamic pastel drawings.8. **Sculpture:** Degas was a skilled sculptor and created several sculptures, often focusing on the human form. His sculptures of dancers and horses are celebrated for their naturalistic and dynamic qualities.9. **Interest in Photography:** Degas had an interest in photography, and some of his works show the influence of photographic framing and composition.10. **Private and Reserved Personality:** Degas was known for his private and reserved personality. He was critical of his own work and often kept his paintings and drawings out of the public eye.11. **Later Years:** In his later years, Degas experienced vision problems, likely due to retinal disease. Despite his declining eyesight, he continued to work, often relying on sculpture and pastels.12. **Death and Legacy:** Edgar Degas died on September 27, 1917, in Paris, at the age of 83. His legacy as a revolutionary artist and innovator in the depiction of modern life continues to be celebrated. The Musée d'Orsay in Paris houses a significant collection of his works.Edgar Degas's impact on the art world, particularly in his exploration of modern life and the innovative use of composition, continues to be recognized and appreciated. His work has left an indelible mark on the history of art.Measures 7 x 3.5. 2.75.Bonded bronze.
