Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas was a renowned French artist and one of the founders of Impressionism, born in 1834. While often associated with the Impressionist movement, Degas preferred to be called a realist due to his focus on capturing everyday life with precision and detail. He is best known for his masterful depictions of ballet dancers, horse races, and intimate scenes of Parisian life, blending dynamic composition with exceptional draftsmanship.

Degas led a complex life, balancing his work between traditional academic training and innovative experimentation. He was deeply interested in movement and the human form, which he explored through painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Despite losing much of his eyesight later in life, Degas continued to create art, showing remarkable dedication to his craft until his death in 1917.

One of Edgar Degas’s notable quotes is: "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." He also said, "Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do." These reflections reveal his thoughtful approach to art and his understanding of its power to transform perception.