Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas was born to Célestin Degas, a banker, and Célestine Musson, from a wealthy Creole family. His family's financial stability allowed him to pursue his artistic interests from a young age.

Degas enrolls at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studies under Louis Lamothe, a pupil of Ingres, and begins to develop his classical drawing skills.

Degas travels to Italy to study the works of the Old Masters, particularly in Florence, Rome, and Naples, where he copies works by artists such as Raphael and Titian.

Degas exhibits his painting 'The Suffering of the Virgin' at the Paris Salon, marking the beginning of his public recognition as an artist. He continues to exhibit regularly at the Salon.

Degas co-founds the first Impressionist exhibition, breaking away from the traditional Salon system. He remains an active participant in the Impressionist exhibitions, though he preferred to be called a 'realist' rather than an 'impressionist'.

Degas exhibits his famous sculpture 'The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer' at the Sixth Impressionist Exhibition, which receives mixed reviews but is now considered one of his most iconic works.

Degas begins to experiment with photography, using it as a tool to capture movement and as a source of inspiration for his paintings and drawings, particularly of dancers and bathers.

Degas's eyesight begins to deteriorate, leading him to focus more on pastels, which require less fine detail. His pastel works from this period are characterized by their bold colors and loose, expressive strokes.

Degas, increasingly isolated due to his declining health and vision, retires from public life and spends most of his time at his studio, where he continues to work until his final years.

Edgar Degas dies in Paris at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential artists of the Impressionist movement, known for his innovative techniques and profound impact on modern art.