Edgar Degas

Definition

Edgar Degas was a prominent French artist known for his contributions to Impressionism, particularly in painting and sculpture. His work often focused on the depiction of movement and the human form, especially ballet dancers and scenes of everyday life, showcasing a unique approach to light and color that captured fleeting moments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degas was born in 1834 in Paris and was initially trained in academic art before becoming associated with Impressionism.
2. He is known for his innovative compositions and unique viewpoints, often depicting dancers in rehearsal or performance, capturing their grace and motion.
3. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Degas frequently used pastel as a medium, which allowed him to experiment with texture and color in his works.
4. Degas had a complex relationship with the Impressionist movement; he preferred studio work over painting outdoors but was still a key figure in the group's exhibitions.
5. His works have had a lasting impact on modern art, influencing generations of artists who admired his ability to blend realism with an impressionistic style.

Review Questions

• How did Edgar Degas's approach to capturing movement influence the portrayal of subjects in Impressionism?
  • Edgar Degas's approach to capturing movement was pivotal in shaping how subjects were portrayed in Impressionism. He focused on dynamic scenes, especially of ballet dancers, emphasizing the fluidity and grace of their movements. His innovative compositions and unique angles helped convey the energy of everyday life, pushing Impressionism beyond static representation and showcasing a more dynamic perspective.
• Discuss how Degas's use of pastels contributed to his artistic style and its significance in the context of 19th-century art.
  • Degas's use of pastels was significant because it allowed him to achieve rich colors and subtle variations in light, enhancing the emotional quality of his work. This technique enabled him to create textured surfaces that conveyed movement and atmosphere, setting him apart from other artists. His mastery of pastels also helped bridge the gap between traditional academic methods and modern artistic expression during the transformative period of 19th-century art.
• Evaluate the impact of photography on Edgar Degas's artwork and how it reflected broader changes in 19th-century society.
  • Photography significantly influenced Edgar Degas's artwork by introducing new ways of seeing and composing images. The immediacy and spontaneity of photography encouraged him to explore unconventional angles and cropping in his paintings, reflecting a shift towards capturing fleeting moments. This adaptation mirrored broader societal changes in 19th-century France, where advancements in technology were reshaping perceptions of reality and influencing artistic movements like Impressionism.

Related terms

Impressionism: An art movement characterized by a focus on light, color, and everyday subjects, aiming to capture the momentary effects of a scene.

Ballet: A highly technical form of dance that Degas frequently portrayed, reflecting his fascination with movement and the human body.

Pastel: A medium used by Degas, known for its vibrant colors and ability to capture subtle light effects, which became a hallmark of his style.