Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas was a French painter and sculptor, best known for his innovative depictions of ballet dancers, everyday life, and fleeting movement. Though often associated with the Impressionists, Degas preferred to be called a realist, as he emphasized line and composition over light and colour. Influenced by classical art and Japanese prints, his work often used unusual angles and cropping, anticipating modern photography. Key works include The Ballet Class and L’Absinthe. Degas also explored sculpture, notably with Little Dancer of Fourteen Years. Reclusive and fiercely independent, he left a profound legacy on modern drawing, composition, and the portrayal of motion.