Degas the Early Years

Hilaire Germain Edgar Degas was born to a well to do family in Paris, France on January 19, 1834.  The oldest of five children, he had two brothers, and two sisters.  His father, Augustin de Gas, was a Neopolitan banker born in Naples Italy to a family of wealthy bankers, and his Creole mother, Celestine Musson, was an American from New Orleans. 

Degas received a classical education at the elite school, Lycee Louis-le-Grand, where he studied French literature, as well as Latin and Greek.  He then went on to law school for a short two years before dropping out at the age of twenty to more seriously pursue his love of art.  Degas began his study of art under the tutelage of Louis Lamothe, a former student of Ingres.  Lamothe was a strong influence on Degas’ artistic style and placed an emphasis on drawing. 

Following his time with Lamothe Degas went on to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under French Classic artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.  Ingres helped Degas to develop his awesome drawing ability that is so characteristic of his work.  The following year he toured Italy, and ended up staying for three years.  Originally visiting family in Naples and Capodimonte, then in 1857 continuing his tour of Italy with a visit to Rome where he met Gustave Moreau.  The two became close friends and in 1858 visited Florence together.  During his time in Italy he studied the great Renaissance Masters with special interest given to Mantegna and Uccello. 

Upon his return to Paris from Italy in 1859, he focused on developing his styles and techniques.  He set up a studio in the rue Laval and painted several historical canvases as well as portraits of family and friends.  He became skilled at drawing portraits, most well known The Belleli Family in 1959.  He diligently studied and made copies of the paintings at the Louvre and eventually worked his way into becoming a regular participant in the Salon exhibitions which he exhibited in from 1865-1870. 

Degas became friends with Berthe Morisot and Edouard Manet.  In the summer of 1869 Degas joined Manet in Boulogne and Saint Valery en Caux where he painted landscapes.  Both artists influenced the others art.  Manet is the one who influenced Degas on the budding Impressionist movement.

In 1870 when the Franco-Prussian War broke out Degas and his friend Manet joined the National Guard along with many other artists.  Degas served in the artillery and had to stop painting for a time.  Degas’ health was badly effected by the severe cold during the siege of Paris so he rested in the Orne with the Valpincon family.  In 1872, he exhibited work in the Society of French Artists exhibition in London.  Following the exhibition he set out for the United States to stay with his brother in New Orleans for five months.