Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was a French artist born in Paris. He was known for his mastery in drawing the human figure in motion. Degas studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and was influenced by artists such as Edouard Manet and Jean Ingres. Coming from a wealthy and aristocratic family, he frequently attended rehearsals at the Paris Opéra, where he sketched the performers in action as they moved from one position to another.

In 1854, Degas left for Italy and stayed for five years to study Italian art. He returned to Paris in 1859 and played an active role in the organization of exhibitions between 1874 and 1886. Degas is best known as a painter, but he also worked in photography, printmaking, and sculpture. He was arguably one of the most influential artists of the nineteenth century.