Edgar Degas (19 July 1834 – 27 September 1917), born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (pronounced [ilɛʀ ʒɛʁmɛ̃ ɛdɡɑʀ dœˈɡɑ]), was a French artist famous for his work in painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism although he rejected the term, and preferred to be called a realist. A superb draughtsman, he is especially identified with the subject of the dance, and over half his works depict dancers. These display his mastery in the depiction of movement, as do his racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are considered to be among the finest in the history of art.
The Little Dancer
Whilst researching Edgar Degas for an essay on “responding to the work of..”, I became quite intrigued with all of Degas’ work, I found these videos on youtube which were originally by the BBC, they examine in wonderful detail the Sculpture named “little dancer” in all its complexities of culture, technique and history. Very much worth a look!!
Enjoy
