Edgar Degas (1834 – 1917)

A wealthy aristocrat, French painter, graphic artist and sculptor, one of the founders of Impressionism, who participated in 7 of the 8 exhibitions of this movement.

Edgar Degas was the eldest of five children in the family. His mother died when he was only thirteen. His father dreamt of him becoming a lawyer, but Edgar was interested in painting and decided to dedicate his entire life to this cause. He studied at Paris School of Fine Arts, in 1854-1859 he went to Italy to study the art of the Early Renaissance. He also visited the United States and Spain. Early Degas was profoundly influenced by the work of French painter Ingres.

“Any kind of art is an art of sacrifice.” Edgar Degas