Degas

1957 · 556BB — 1957. First Edition. London Thames and Hudson 1957. 23cm x 28.5cm. 165 pages with LXXV black-and-white plates. Original Hardcover. Very good condition with some signs of external wear. Some minor traces of foxing only. Includes for example: Horses. Petite Dnseuse de Quatorze Ans. Classical Dance. Spanish Dance. Behind the Scenes. Female figures Bathers. Edgar Degas born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas 19 July 1834 - 27 September 1917 was a French artist famous for his work in painting sculpture printmaking and drawing. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism although he rejected the term and preferred to be called a realist. A superb draftsman he is especially identified with the subject of dance and over half of his works depict dancers. These display his mastery in the depiction of movement as do his racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are notable for their psychological complexity and depiction of human isolation. Early in his career he wanted to be a history painter a calling for which he was well prepared by his rigorous academic training and close study of classic art. In his early thirties he changed course and by bringing the traditional methods of a history painter to bear on contemporary subject matter he became a classical painter of modern life. Wikipedia hardcover