Edgar Degas: An Artisan of Realism Within the Impressionist Movement

Introduction

Edgar Degas is a central figure in the artistic landscape of the late 19th century, his work often being associated with the Impressionist movement, yet his style exhibits a blend of both Impressionism and Realism. This duality makes Degas a particularly intriguing and complex figure in the broader context of modern art. This article explores Degas' unique contributions, his artistic style, and his place within both Impressionism and Realism.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Degas' Art

Combination of Impressionism and Realism: Degas' artwork is often mistakenly categorized solely as Impressionist, but a closer examination reveals the presence of Realism in his paintings. While he shared the Impressionists' interest in capturing light and movement, particularly in his works depicting ballet dancers and scenes of modern life, Degas' unique approach to composition and form aligns more closely with Realism.

Paintings Featuring Unusual Viewpoints and Crops

Untraditional Perspectives: Degas was renowned for his innovative use of perspective and dynamic portrayal of human figures. His works often featured unusual viewpoints and cropped compositions, distinguishing him from many of his contemporaries. Examples of such techniques can be seen in his famous pastel of ballet dancers, where the unusual angles and cropping highlight the physicality and movement of the dancers.

Artistic Movements and Group Affiliations

Involvement with the Impressionists: Despite his unique style, Degas was a part of the Impressionist movement. He organized as part of the Société anonyme des artistes peintres sculpteurs et graveurs and exhibited in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, where the term "Impressionist" first emerged. However, the term was applied more as a derogatory label by a critic, and the artists generally regarded themselves as Realists.

Degas' Philosophical Approach to Art

Reflection and Spontaneity: Degas was known for his reflective and studious approach to art, stating, "No art was ever less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and study of the great masters of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament." This suggests a methodical and analyzed process rather than mere spontaneous creation. Degas believed in the importance of deceit and craft in his work, stating, "A picture is something that requires as much knavery, trickery, and deceit as the perpetration of a crime. Paint falsely and then add the accent of nature."

Impressionism vs. Realism

Scientific Realism: The distance between Impressionism and Realism can be explained by the artists' intentions. While Impressionists aimed to capture what their minds interpreted about sight, Realists aimed to depict the scientific reality of what the eye actually saw. Degas and his contemporaries were focused on capturing the impact of light on various surfaces and how it activated the cones and rods in the eyes, making their work intrinsically more "realistic."

Conclusion

Edgar Degas remains a fascinating figure who defies easy categorization. His art embodies the blend of Impressionist and Realistic approaches, showcasing a unique and dynamic style. By delving into Degas' contributions and the contrasting philosophies of Impressionism and Realism, one can better understand the complexities of late 19th-century art.