Edgar Degas

1834 - 1917

Degas grew up in a family of wealthy Italian bankers who lived in Paris. After spending a few years in Italy, Degas returned to Paris where he befriended Manet while the two were copying paintings in the Louvre. Degas also became a superb print maker and photographer. When his eyesight failed after forty years of painting, he turned to sculpture, working by feel and by memory. Degas was a man of harsh words and strong prejudices, but in his old age he softened, asking forgiveness of friends he had offended.