Degas

La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans

Another really famous artist for you today – Degas.  It's just as well he is usually identified just by surname since his first name was Hilaire-Germain-Edgar!  For some reason, he was just called Edgar.  He was born in Paris in 1834. 

 Therese – the painter's sister

He came from a well off family and was the oldest of 5 children.  His mother died when he was just 13 years old.

 

Dance class 1871

Two Dancers Resting

Degas never married.  He is famous for his ballet scenes – he did over 600 works about ballet! 

  Race Horses 1866

He also did works about horses at the racetrack.

Trotting Horse

He not only painted but he sculpted – guess what – horses and dancers of course!

Edmond Duranty 1879

 He also painted a lot of nude women – which you can Google to see if you want.

Portrait of a Young Woman 1867

Degas died at the age of 64 before the end of WWI.  His grave is in Montmartre Cemetery.