Degas, Nu couche, Les Monotypes (after)
1948

About the Item

Engraving on Marais vélin paper. Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good Condition; never framed or matted. Notes: From the volume, E. Degas Les Monotypes, 1948. Published by Quatre Chemins-Editart, Paris; printed by Les Ateliers G. Bouan, and Dreux-Barry, Paris, February 1948. Excepted from the volume (translated from French), It was taken from this work 1,000 numbered copies. The fac-similés were executed by the art printing G. Bouan and colours by les ateliers Dreux-Barry finished printing in February 1948. The numbered copies of 1 a 500 have been printed for Shoman Art Company, Elmhurst, Long Island, New York. EDGAR DEGAS (1834-1917) was a French Impressionist artist famous for his pastel drawings and oil paintings. Degas also produced bronze sculptures, prints, and drawings. Degas is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than half of his works depict dancers. Although Degas is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, he rejected the term, preferring to be called a realist, and did not paint outdoors as many Impressionists did. Degas was a superb draftsman, and particularly masterly in depicting movement, as can be seen in his rendition of dancers and bathing female nudes. In addition to ballet dancers and bathing women, Degas painted racehorses and racing jockeys, as well as portraits. His portraits are notable for their psychological complexity and their portrayal of human isolation. At the beginning of his career, Degas wanted to be a history painter, a calling for which he was well prepared by his rigorous academic training and close study of classical Western 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. Generations of artists, including Picasso, have been influenced by Degas.

Creation Year:

1948

Dimensions:

Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Width: 8.875 in (22.55 cm)

Medium:

Engraving

Movement & Style:

Impressionist

After:

Edgar Degas (1834-1917, French)

Period:

1940-1949