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While often described as an Impressionist, Edgar Degas disliked
the name immensely and preferred to be called a Realist. Though
he banded together with the fledgling group of Impressionists,
being one of their key organizers, Degas believed he had little
in common with them. He took umbrage with their politics and the
scandal the exhibitions often caused.
Degas never
took to painting en plein air, preferring the intimacy
of interior settings. Scenes of dancers, who he had a well-known
affinity for depicting, constitute half his body of work.
His confrontational attitude created acrimony within
the Impressionist group, contributing to its dissolution in
1886. Over time, and with his eyesight failing, Degas became
increasingly isolated. He stopped painting in 1912 and spent his
final years nearly blind.
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas in Paris.
Enters the École des Beaux-Arts and works in the Realist style.
Begins painting The Bellelli Family, a portrait of his aunt’s family, and an early masterpiece.
Meets Manet who influences his move toward Impressionistic painting.
Enlists in the National Guard during the Franco-Prussian War and remains in Paris to defend the city.
Takes part in organizing all eight Impressionist exhibitions and exhibits in seven of them.
Develops a passion for photography.
Gradually ceases working due to deteriorating eyesight.
Dies in Paris and is buried in the family tomb in Montmartre.
1. Self-portrait or ‘Degas Saluant’ (detail), about 1863, oil on canvas. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Inv. 2307.
2. The Bellelli Family, 1858–1869, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Purchase, 1918, RF 2210. Image © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Adrien Didierjean.
3. The Dance Class, 1874, oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Mrs. Harry Payne Bingham, 1986, 1987.47.1.
4. Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green), 1877–1879, pastel and gouache on paper. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, Inv. no. 515 (1971.2).