Edgar Degas (born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas, 19 July 1834 – 27 September 1917), is 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 rejects the term, and prefers 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 wants to be a history painter, a calling for which he is well prepared by his rigorous academic training and close study of classic art.
In his early thirties, he changes course, and by bringing the traditional methods of a history painter to bear on contemporary subject matter, he becomes a classical painter of modern life.
