Degas the Middle Years

Upon his return to France in 1873, Degas discovered his country had changed.  The conservative bourgeoisie was now under the control of the government and artistic institutions.  Degas’ work had developed beyond the taste of the conventional Salon.  Claude Monet suggested an exhibition of independent artists that would be different than the government controlled Salon.  Degas and many of his artist friends joined in, with the exception of Manet, Tissot, and Legros.  The first Impressionist Exhibition was held on April 19th, 1874 at Nadar’s photographic studio on the Rue de l’Opera.  The next two exhibitions were organized by Durand-Ruel in his gallery on the Rue le Peletier. 

Though Degas never fully fit the criteria of Impressionist, showing a strong focus on draftsmanship, portraiture, and composition, his paintings did begin to contain brighter colors and bolder strokes following his association with Impressionist artists. 

In the 1870s Degas gained his reputation as the painter of dancers.  Just as the Impressionists were interested in the effects of natural light, Degas was interested on the effects of artificial light as seen within the interior of the opera house.  Following the theme of dance came the theme of the racecourse.  Other themes that followed included the café society, women bathing, and milliners. 

In February of 1874 Degas’ father died leaving the family banking business with much financial hardship.  Degas ended up selling much of his collection in order to pay family debts following his father’s death.