Edgar Degas: The Challenging Genius of the Ballet and Beyon
Edgar Degas, a prominent 19th-century French artist, is best known for his captivating paintings of ballet dancers. Despite his challenging temperament, Degas’s meticulous approach and innovative techniques made him a central figure in the art world. This article explores his life, artistic training, early works, unique painting methods, popular paintings, and later years, shedding light on the complexities and contributions of this remarkable artist.
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Edgar Degas was known for his challenging and exacting nature, fully aware of his own difficulties. In a candid reflection, he once apologized to a friend for his harshness, explaining, “I was, or appeared to be, hard with everyone, owing to a sort of tendency towards roughness that originated in my doubts and my bad temper. I felt I was so inept, so badly equipped, so flabby, while it seemed to me that my calculations regarding art were so accurate, I was sulky with the whole world and with myself.”
Born Hilaire Germain Edgar de Gas in Paris on July 19, 1834, Degas was the eldest of five surviving children. His early life was marked by melancholy, especially following his mother’s death when he was just thirteen. Despite an early education aimed at leading him to law, Degas abandoned this path to pursue his true calling as an artist.
Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. Self-Portrait, Edgar Degas, ca. 1855–56
Artistic training
Degas’s artistic journey began at Atelier Lamothe and the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Here, he immersed himself in drawing, copying engravings, and studying the works of Old Masters and contemporary realism. By 1856, he set off for Italy to further his artistic education independently. This period was transformative, as Italy, his father’s birthplace, provided both inspiration and familial connections.
Early Paintings
Returning to Paris, Degas focused on large-scale history paintings, the most esteemed art form of the mid-19th century. Between 1860 and 1864, he produced significant works such as “The Misfortunes of the City of Orleans,” “Jephthah’s Daughter,” “Spartan Boys and Girls Exercising,” and “Semiramis Constructing a City.” Although often associated with the Impressionists, Degas’s disdain for plein-air painting and preference for capturing the human form set him apart. He also wasn’t interested in the effects of light and dark, landscape, or still life; He had a strong interest in painting people.
Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. Dancer, Edgar Degas, ca. 1880
Degas Painting Methods
Degas’s approach to painting was both methodical and experimental. He often drew his subjects multiple times, striving for precision. His use of oil paint mixed with turpentine on paper or cardboard, rather than canvas, showcased his innovative spirit. Additionally, Degas explored etching, lithography, drypoint, aquatint, and even invented the monotype technique. The Monotype Technique involves drawing on a smooth surface and then transferring the image to paper. This process allowed for spontaneity and unpredictability, adding a unique layer of expression to his works.
Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. The Dance Class, Edgar Degas, 1874
Popular Paintings
Degas is best remembered for his exquisite depictions of ballet dancers. His intimate studies of young ballerinas in various stages of performance and rehearsal are legendary. One of his most celebrated works, “The Ballet Class” (1874), exemplifies his mastery of oil paint and his keen observational skills.
The Ballet Class (1874)
One of Degas’s most famous works, “The Ballet Class” captures a rehearsal scene with young dancers and their instructor. Painted with oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies Degas’s ability to depict movement and grace. The attention to detail in the dancers’ poses and expressions reveals his deep understanding of human anatomy and his dedication to realism.
Dancers at the Bar (1888)
This pastel on paper work shows dancers practicing at the barre, a recurring subject in Degas’s oeuvre. The dynamic poses of the dancers and the soft, vibrant colors create a sense of movement and energy. Degas’s use of pastel allows for delicate, textured lines that enhance the overall effect of the piece.
The Bellelli Family (1856-1897)
Portraiture became Degas’ expertise and he would often select the sitters for his paintings. In The Bellelli Family painted in oils around 1858-62, now exhibited in Musee d’Orsay, Paris, he painted this in the Paris studio his family had found for him in the rue Madame. He organized the composition and created individual studies for the family. Laura Bellini, one of the figures in the painting, was Degas’ paternal aunt who lived in Paris. The painting documents an upper-class family life, with objects surrounding the sitters to reflect a wealthy bourgeoisie. Degas also carefully suggests the tension of a strained marriage, depicted through their use of facial expressions and distance between the uncle. This ultimately shows his careful attention to detail and the Old Masters’ influence through the use of composition elements.
Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. The Rehearsal Onstage, Edgar Degas, ca. 1874
Later years
As Degas’s eyesight deteriorated, he shifted towards using pastels and modeling clay. From the 1870s onward, he created sculptures in wax or clay. His later paintings were characterized by bold, rich colors and departed from fine lines. Despite his challenges, Degas continued to innovate and produce remarkable art until his death.
Use of Pastel
As his eyesight began to fail, Degas turned to pastels, which allowed for bold, vibrant colors and a softer texture. Pastels enabled him to work more quickly and with greater ease, adapting to his changing physical abilities. His later pastel works are known for their dynamic compositions and rich color palettes, reflecting his continued evolution as an artist.
Sculpture
In his later years, Degas also explored sculpture, using wax and clay to create three-dimensional representations of his subjects. His sculptures often featured dancers, capturing their movement and grace in a new medium. These works provided a different perspective on his subjects, emphasizing form and texture in a way that painting could not.
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Edgar Degas remains a towering figure in the art world, celebrated for his unique approach to painting and his profound impact on the depiction of movement and the human form. His challenging personality and relentless pursuit of artistic perfection have left an indelible mark on the history of art. Degas’s legacy as a pioneering artist and a master of capturing the grace and beauty of ballet dancers endures to this day.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other previous articles on Art History. At Happy Hands Pottery and Art Studio, art classes for adults in Brampton, Ontario, for drawing, painting, pottery, and more! Be sure to keep in touch by subscribing to our newsletter and following up on out social media.
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