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EDGAR DEGAS
(1834-1917)
degas

EDGAR DEGAS (French Impressionist Painter)


Edgar Degas was born in 1834, the son of a wealthy Parisian banker. He studied drawing and painting at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, beginning with classical painting. In 1865, he changed focus, choosing more contemporary subjects. Although Degas is often classed as an Impressionist, his individual expression seemed to fit better with studio work and he wasn't as swayed by the influence of natural light as other Impressionist painters. Spending most of his painting time inside the studio, Degas chose topics that took place more within the realm of human social life rather than focusing on nature. His paintings centered on events such as ballet, theater, circuses and horse races. He was especially intent on showing women in natural and graceful ways.

Degas became fascinated with Japanese art, and followed the Japanese concept of asymmetry to create paintings where the subject was not necessarily placed in the center of the work. This was a groundbreaking strategy in Western art, which generally had placed value on symmetry and centrality. His interest in Japanese art also influenced his choice of subject. In "Woman with Chrysanthemums" (1865; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City); we are reminded that these particular flowers are frequently used in stylized fashions in kimono and other Asian paper and textile arts. Honoring the Japanese use of space in works of art, the woman is on the outer edge of the painting, and the chrysanthemums take center stage.

With age came a loss of eyesight, so Degas exchanged painting for pastels and sculpture. His pastels are noted for their simplicity of subject and background; his sculpture suggests movement and vitality. Degas died in 1917 and was only later hailed as an artistic master.

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