The painting "Blue Dancers" and other works by Edgar Degas

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Edgar Degas is one of the outstanding and world famous Impressionists of France. The painting "Blue Dancers" became one of his most significant works. There is no one who would dispute the fact that Degas is one of the greatest and most talented painters of his age. His creative activity had a considerable impact not only on impressionism and painting in France, but also on world art and culture.

Short biography

The artist E. Degas, who painted the painting "Blue Dancers", was born on July 19, 1834 in the capital of France - Paris. His family was of aristocratic origin. His father was the manager of a large banking branch in France, founded at one time by his grandfather artist in Italy.

Over time, the Degas family moved to Italy, fearing for their lives, because the Great Revolution began in France. It was in Italy that their bank was founded. After the danger passed, they returned to their homeland.

Creative path

A penchant for drawing and painting began to manifest itself in Edgar at an early age. And although at a young age he was forced to study law, tohe never had any interest in this science. Thanks to the availability of money from his family, he could devote himself to painting without fear of being broke. At the age of 20, Edgar became a student of the painter Lamothe. In his youth, he really wanted to win authority and respect from colleagues and art lovers, so it was very important for him that his work be exhibited at the Salon. To do this, he painted pictures on serious historical topics. Among the most famous paintings of that period are "Semiramide lays the city" (1861), "Disasters of Orleans" (1865) and "Alexander and Bucephalus" (1861-1862).

A little later, he went on a trip to Italy, where he created a group portrait of the Belleli family. Here he stayed for several months. The artist was not only inspired by the beauties of this wonderful country, its azure sea shores, bright colors and warm, sunny days, but he was more interested in the paintings of the great creators of the Italian Renaissance. In his creative career, there are a huge number of works. However, early, pre-impressionist paintings are somewhat less popular among art connoisseurs.

Meet the Impressionists

None of the above works has nothing to do with impressionism, so the painting "Blue Dancers" is very different in style and technique. Degas met Edouard Manet in 1861. It was a strong friendship for the rest of their lives. It was Manet who introduced Degas to other representatives of the direction inpainting, which was later called impressionism. The artists were united by similar views in painting, they were both completely absorbed in this trend.

The hero of our article was very carried away by the new style, so he began to create mainly in accordance with its principles. The painting "Blue Dancers" by Edgar Degas also belongs to the impressionistic style, although some distinctive features can already be found in it. Rather, it refers to late impressionism. The work was created in 1897.

E. Degas "Blue Dancers": description of the painting

The stylistic features of the painting are primarily related to the fact that the canvas belongs to the late period of the painter's work. His eyesight at that time began to deteriorate greatly due to age, so he began to use larger strokes, paying less and less attention to small details. The painting "Blue Dancers" depicts four girls in blue dresses who are preparing to dance. Many art lovers consider this work a real masterpiece. Its unique, delicate and soft colors are especially highly valued. The painting "Blue Dancers" is of particular value for Russians, because its original is kept in Moscow, in the Museum of Arts named after Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. This is one of the outstanding exhibits of the museum.

Contribution to art

A simple description of the painting "Blue Dancers" is not able to fully convey the beauty and splendor of this work. Evenillustration and reproduction cannot do this. Only live you can enjoy all the magic of this ingenious canvas.

The contribution of E. Degas to world art and culture is, of course, huge. In addition to the painting "Blue Dancers", in his creative piggy bank there is also a very large number of great works that are stored in the most famous museums and galleries in the world or in private collections. Most of his paintings have already been sold and have long been concentrated in the hands of art organizations and major patrons.

Today, many of his works are highly valued. At art auctions, Degas paintings are sold for hundreds or even millions of US dollars. And his name is forever inscribed in the annals of history as one of the best painters of the 19th century. And for the French, he is a real national hero, they are proud that he is their compatriot.

Conclusion

The work of Impressionist artists is highly valued today. E. Degas also belongs to them. "Blue Dancers" is a picture that is rightfully considered one of the most important in his life. Although among his paintings, many are considered real masterpieces of painting. The name of the artist is known all over the world. Even among people who are far from art, his name is well known. His paintings are studied in schools at the lessons of world art culture. (MHC).

Each work of Degas is interesting in its own way, but the painting "Blue Dancers" stands out even among all his creations. It's for reala great work that was the pride of the artist himself, and now is the property of the permanent exhibition of the Museum of Art in Moscow.