Edgar Degas

Definition

Edgar Degas was a French artist renowned for his contributions to Impressionism, particularly through his innovative techniques in capturing movement and the human form. He is best known for his paintings, sculptures, and pastels that often depict ballet dancers and scenes of everyday life, merging traditional academic practices with modern perspectives that define the Impressionist movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degas was born on July 19, 1834, in Paris and began his artistic career as a student at the École des Beaux-Arts.
2. He was known for his unconventional composition and perspective, often cropping figures and using unusual angles that set his work apart from other Impressionists.
3. Degas was a master of capturing motion, especially in his famous depictions of ballet dancers, where he explored their physicality and emotion.
4. Unlike many of his Impressionist peers, Degas preferred to work in the studio rather than painting en plein air (outdoors), allowing him to meticulously develop his works.
5. He also had a keen interest in photography, which influenced his approach to composition and the depiction of movement in his artwork.

Review Questions

• How did Edgar Degas's approach to composition differ from that of other Impressionist artists?
  • Edgar Degas's approach to composition was distinct due to his innovative use of unusual angles and cropping techniques. While many Impressionist artists painted en plein air and focused on capturing fleeting moments of light, Degas often worked in the studio to create carefully arranged scenes. This allowed him to emphasize movement and emotion in his subjects, particularly ballet dancers, setting him apart as a unique figure within the Impressionist movement.
• Discuss the significance of movement in Degas's works, especially regarding his depictions of ballet dancers.
  • Movement plays a crucial role in Edgar Degas's art, particularly in his iconic representations of ballet dancers. He captured the elegance and dynamism of dance through innovative techniques such as using pastels and unique perspectives. By focusing on moments of rest and rehearsal rather than just performance, Degas provided deeper insights into the lives of dancers, highlighting their hard work and dedication while also conveying a sense of immediacy and vitality.
• Evaluate how Edgar Degas’s background and interests influenced his artistic style and contributions to Impressionism.
  • Edgar Degas’s background as an academically trained artist significantly shaped his artistic style, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. His studies at the École des Beaux-Arts gave him a strong foundation in drawing and anatomy, which he applied to his explorations of movement. Additionally, his interest in photography allowed him to experiment with composition and perspective, leading to innovative depictions of everyday life that embodied the core principles of Impressionism while maintaining a sense of formal structure. This unique combination set him apart from many contemporaries and contributed significantly to the evolution of the movement.

Related terms

Impressionism:

A 19th-century art movement characterized by a focus on capturing the effects of light and color, often through loose brushwork and a preference for outdoor scenes.

Ballet: A highly technical form of dance that Degas frequently depicted in his artwork, showcasing the grace and athleticism of dancers in various poses.

Pastel: A medium used by Degas known for its vibrant colors and soft textures, allowing him to create dynamic compositions with a unique depth.