Happy Birthday Dear Degas!

degas self protrait

Today is the birthday of French Impressionist Edgar Degas (b. 1834 -1917 France).  Degas was more than just a painter though, he was a printmaker, colourist, sculptor and excellent draughtsman.

degas was fascinated by the dance

Although he is more known  for his favorite  subjects, –  dancers, horse racing, theatre and nudes which  showcase his talent for depicting movement, he actually began as a classical history painter.

degas Little dancer 14 yrs old

Degas had relatives in the States and often stayed there.  The Cotton Exchange at New Orleans, is, in my opinion is a wonderful painting in it’s own right.

Degas preferred to known as a realist

Much has been already written about this celebrated artist, including his taciturn nature. He preferred to be known as a  Realist than an impressionist.  More information HERE and lots of links to his work HERE

Here is a list of links to post I have made so far concerning artist’s birthday.  I have tried to make it a rule that I actually LIKE the artists’ work!   Some artists I do like, I have not included so far, as their birthdays have clashed with something else I was writing about. Some birthdays I have only found out about when it was too late to include them , I mean to rectify this at a later date.

Rubens

Gauguin

Dali

Leonardo da Vinci

Hart Benton

Turner

Van Gogh

Morris

Pollock

Chagall

Kahlo

Modigliani

Hopper

Duchamp