Edgar Degas Collection

Edgar Degas (born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas; July 19, 1834 – September 27, 1917) was a renowned French artist celebrated for his masterful pastel drawings and oil paintings, particularly his vivid depictions of dancers. Though often associated with the Impressionist movement, Degas rejected the label, considering himself a realist. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he rarely painted en plein air, instead preferring to work in his studio where he could study the human form with meticulous precision.

Over half of Degas’ works focus on the world of ballet, capturing dancers in rehearsal, performance, and behind-the-scenes moments with an unmatched sensitivity to movement and form. His ability to convey motion and emotion set him apart, as did his sharp draftsmanship. Beyond dance, he explored a wide range of subjects including bathing women, racehorses, and intimate portraits. His portraits are particularly striking for their psychological depth, often reflecting themes of solitude and introspection.

Degas also worked extensively in sculpture, printmaking, and drawing, demonstrating a relentless curiosity for technique and innovation. While grouped with the Impressionists due to his focus on contemporary life and experimentation with light and perspective, Degas remained rooted in classical traditions, bridging the gap between realism and modernism.

In essence, Degas was a complex figure—both insider and outsider in the Impressionist circle—whose body of work continues to resonate for its technical brilliance and profound insight into human behavior and movement.