From Paris

Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was a French artist closely associated with the Impressionist movement, though he preferred to be called a realist. He is best known for his masterful depictions of dancers, women at work, horse races, and scenes of modern urban life. Degas brought an analytical, almost scientific approach to composition, often experimenting with unusual viewpoints and cropped forms inspired by photography and Japanese prints. Unlike many Impressionists, Degas favored working in studios rather than painting outdoors. He was highly skilled in drawing and used a wide range of media, including oil, pastel, and sculpture. Iconic works such as *The Ballet Class*, *The Absinthe Drinker*, and *Little Dancer of Fourteen Years* reveal his deep interest in movement, the human figure, and the unguarded moments of everyday life. Degas’s innovative compositions and technical experimentation had a lasting impact on modern art and continue to influence artists today.