1000 Museums

French artist Edgar Degas spent the majority of his career depicting quiet moments of Parisian life. He is primarily known for his paintings of ballet dancers, skillfully illustrating their bodies both in movement and during mundane tasks. Degas is often considered one of the pioneers of Impressionist art, though he preferred to label himself a ‘realist’. His work uniquely intertwined both traditional and contemporary elements, often featuring classic subject themes, such as the ballet, while employing new-age techniques to bring them to life. Degas’ fascination with the menial aspects of life is one of the primary reasons for his continued popularity, as it gives his viewers a glimpse into Parisian life during this transformation time period. His paintings are still praised today for their exceptional beauty and contribution to the Impressionist movement.