Degas John Davidson: An Impressionist Master

Early Life and Education

Degas

by John Davidson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11692 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	112 pages
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Edgar Degas, also known as Hilaire-Germain-Edgar de Gas, was born on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France. His father was a wealthy banker, and his mother came from a noble family. Degas received a classical education, studying law and philosophy at the University of Paris.

However, Degas had a passion for art. He began taking drawing lessons at an early age, and eventually decided to abandon his legal studies to pursue a career as an artist. In 1855, he enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he studied under the renowned academic painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Artistic Style

Degas is considered one of the most influential Impressionist painters. Impressionism, an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizes the capturing of fleeting moments and the play of light and color.

Degas's paintings are characterized by their realism and attention to detail. He was fascinated by the movement of human and animal figures, and often depicted dancers, horse races, and everyday scenes. His paintings have a sense of spontaneity and immediacy, as if the artist had captured a moment in time.

Famous Works

Degas created a vast body of work during his career. His most famous paintings include:

• The Star (1876-1877): This painting depicts a ballerina on stage, her arms outstretched and her head thrown back in a moment of triumph.
• The Racecourse (1879-1886): This painting captures the excitement and energy of a horse race, with the jockeys and their horses racing down the track.
• The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer (1881): This sculpture depicts a young ballerina in a ballet pose. The sculpture is made of wax and is considered one of Degas's masterpieces.

Legacy

Degas died on September 27, 1917, in Paris. He is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre, alongside many other famous artists.

Degas's work has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists. His focus on realism and movement has inspired artists such as Edgar Allan Poe, Francis Bacon, and Jackson Pollock. His paintings are held in major museums around the world, and he is considered one of the most important artists of the 19th century.

Degas John Davidson was a remarkable artist who made significant contributions to the development of Impressionism. His paintings are characterized by their realism, attention to detail, and sense of spontaneity. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.