Edgar Degas came from a wealthy, respectable background. His private income meant that he did not have to depend on paintings sales for money and he was free to commit himself to the Impressionist cause without the discomfort of poverty suffered by some of his fellow artists.

Degas was particularly interested in scenes that appeared unposed, and natural - even to the point of awkwardness. His paintings of dancers in rehearsal, and women at various stages of washing and dressing are composed as if they were snapshots. His models appear entirely absorbed in their activities as if we were catching a glimpse of a private moment.

See other works by Degas in the collection

« Previous | Next »