Great Masters of Art 15 Degas

Great Masters of Art 15: Degas is a comprehensive study exploring the life, artistic understanding, and core themes in the works of Edgar Degas, who left his mark on Western art in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Referred to as "the painter of ballerinas," "the painter of dance," and "the painter of horses," Degas, despite being counted among the founders of the Impressionist movement, did not consider himself an Impressionist and maintained a distance from the practice of painting outdoors. His statement "Art is not a sport" encapsulates his approach to art.

Developing a unique language by skillfully blending different styles such as Neoclassicism and Romanticism, Degas brought themes unique to modern life into his works with a new way of seeing. The common thread in the works he produced throughout his artistic life is "movement." The artist, who enjoyed utilizing the technological possibilities of his era, placed action and dynamism at the center of his compositions.

With a personality full of contradictions, Degas, while valuing social status, did not remain indifferent to the lives of the lower classes, and despite his controversial views on women, many women were among his closest friends. He was interested in Far Eastern art, as well as anatomical and physiognomical studies; as a good collector and a disciplined artist, he continued to produce throughout his life. Even when he began to lose his sight, he did not distance himself from art.

This work, part of Hayalperest Yayınevi's "Great Masters of Art" series, presents insights into Degas's life and works, contributing to an understanding of the historical groundwork on which the concept of modern art was rooted. It takes the reader on a dynamic journey from historical and mythological scenes to ballet dressing rooms, from orchestra rehearsals to the hippodrome, from laundries to brothels; it offers a comprehensive look into the world of Degas, who inspired artists such as Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin, Pierre Bonnard, and Pablo Picasso.

Who is this for?

• Those interested in Impressionism and modern art history
• Readers looking for a fundamental and reliable source on Edgar Degas
• Art history students and researchers
• Those who prefer colorful and illustrated art books