Exhibition: Edgar Degas / About the Line

Some thoughts from the Degas show...

The Denver Art Museum is the only venue for this show and it is certainly worth the trip.

Edgar Degas, Passion for Perfection

Through May 20, 2018

 

While I was taking in this great exhibit, I began to notice the strength of Degas' lines and his use of darks to create more interesting works. He pushes those dark values to great effect. 

A great artist like Degas is notable for many things and it is typically the color that receives all the  attention. These works have a lot of presence when viewed in person and part of that success is his use of accenting lines and darker notes.

Degas' work has so many great qualities, but for now, here is a selection of works from the exhibit along that theme.

Also note that many of these works were completed over a span of years. Even for the great Degas, he didn't create the best possible artwork straight through every time.

Ken 

Female Nude Drying Her Hair
Charcoal on tracing paper, 1903 

Four Ballet Dancers
Pastel  1885-90 

Nude Standing Beside a Chair
Charcoal with touches of blue on tracing paper  1990

Standing Woman Fastening Her Corset,
Seen From the Front
Oil  1883

Degas' Studio replicated

The Conversation
Oil  1885-95

The Milliners
Oil  1898

Race Horses at Longchamp
Oil 1871-74

Race Horses at Longchamp  (close up)
Oil 1871-74