Edgar Degas French, 1834-1917

French painter and sculptor, Degas (1834-1917) is known to be one of the most important representatives of Impressionism. His innovative compositions and particular analysis of movement set him above the others. Degas studied at the famous École des Beaux-Arts and became a brilliant drawer which integral to his art. However, whereas his contemporaries where mostly interested in landscapes, Degas was more focused more on the figure. Fascinated by ballet, Degas spent much of his time at shows behind the scenes, considering it the perfect exercise for drawing fast movement and spatial composition. By juxtaposing the magic of the costumes and performance alongside the dancers' actual social situation, Degas was able to create works with incredible depth, story, and realism.