Edgar Degas (1834 - 1917)
Degas came from a wealthy family, which allowed him to work independently as an artist. He called himself “independent” (rather than an Impressionist) for good reason: he did not want to confine to any group or movement.
His artistic attention was devoted to everyday life in Paris. The spectacle of the city’s nightlife was a major source of inspiration: his paintings, drawings, and pastels of dancers at the opera, singers in Montmartre’s cafés, and scenes of horse racing can be found in museum collections around the world. Degas was a master across many fields and genres.
As a sculptor, he was remarkably innovative, yet during his lifetime he exhibited only one work: the Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (1881), on which he worked for several years. After his death, dozens of his sculptures were discovered in his studio, along with a large art collection featuring works by artist friends and examples from art history.
Degas stands among the foremost figures in Western art. A true master with an enduring and powerful oeuvre.