Degas: meaning, definitions and examples
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degas
[ deɡɑː ]
artist name
Edgar Degas was a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, although he preferred to be called a realist. Degas is well-known for his depictions of dancers, ballet scenes, and intimate snapshots of women in private settings.
Synonyms
artist, impressionist, painter
Examples of usage
- Degas captured the beauty of ballet dancers in movement.
- The museum has a significant collection of Degas' artwork.
- Degas often painted women engaged in everyday activities.
Etymology
Edgar Degas was born on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France. His family was socially prominent, and his father was a banker with Italian origins. Degas initially studied law but soon gravitated towards the arts, becoming a student at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he learned classical techniques and academic painting. Over the years, Degas developed a distinctive style that blended realism and impressionism, often emphasizing movement and the human form. Degas had a deep interest in capturing the life of Parisian society, drawing inspiration from the ballet and scenes of everyday life. Although he was a founding member of the Impressionist group, he often rejected the label of 'impressionist' and maintained a more traditional approach to painting. His use of pastels and experimentation with different mediums set him apart from his contemporaries, and he remains celebrated for his unique contributions to the art world.