← Edgar Degas

Self-Portrait (1857, Met-Objekt 498)

Original title: Self-Portrait

Artist

Edgar Degas

Date

1857

Medium

Etching on wove paper; first state of four

Dimensions

Plate: 9 1/16 x 5 11/16 in. (23 x 14.4 cm) Sheet: 10 11/16 x 7 in. (27.2 x 17.8 cm)

Credit line

Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Bernhard Gift, 1972

kurzbeschreibung

In 1857, Edgar Degas created this self-portrait as an etching on laid paper. It shows the artist in half-profile, seated, wearing a cap and jacket. This is the first of four states, an early print from Degas's graphic work.

Description

A seated man in half-profile draws the eye, clad in a cap and a collared jacket. Fine parallel lines and hatching model the fabric of jacket and cap. The background remains sparse, pushing the figure forward. Even light, no shadows, the palette stays in grays. Realistic and precise in drawing.

Context

Made in 1857 during Degas's stay in Italy, where he studied the old masters. The etching falls in a time when this medium saw a revival in France. Degas left behind only a few etchings; this self-portrait is among the rare records of his early graphic attempts.

Impact

From the first glance, calm prevails: the precise hatching and clear linework focus attention. Even light and the plain background direct the gaze straight to the person. The portrait feels inward-looking, the artist shows himself in a thoughtful pose.

Technique

Etching on wove paper, executed in the first of four states. The etching technique allows fine lines and hatching, which here bring out clothing and facial features. The wove paper provides an even surface for printing.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)