Edgar Degas: A Master of Art and Human Design

Edgar Degas, renowned French artist of the 19th century, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to painting, pastels, sculpture, and photography. Born on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France, Degas grew up in a cultured bourgeois family, heavily influenced by his Italian banker father, Auguste De Gas, who fostered a deep appreciation for art and music.

Early Life and Education

Raised in an environment that valued artistic expression, Degas received a classical education, initially pursuing law studies. However, his innate talent for drawing steered him towards the arts. He enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts, studying under the tutelage of the esteemed neo-classical painter Ingres.

Degas honed his skills by meticulously copying masterpieces at the Louvre and the Bibliothèque Nationale, and later, the Renaissance works in Rome. This dedication to mastering traditional techniques laid the foundation for his unique style, which evolved as he matured as an artist.

Artistic Evolution and Personal Style

As a master draftsman, Degas initially adhered to the academic style but gradually developed a modern approach, influenced by interactions with contemporaries like Manet, Monet, and Fantin-Latour. This evolution marked his transition from traditional compositions to pioneering techniques that resonated with the nascent Impressionist movement he helped organize.

Degas’ work focused on the dynamic portrayal of ballet, horse races, and intimate cabaret scenes. He was particularly fascinated by the female form, exploring themes of beauty and movement through series depicting women in their private moments.

Incorporating Human Design

Understanding Degas through the lens of Human Design offers a deeper appreciation of his creative process and personality traits. As a Generator, Degas possessed a Sacral Inner Authority and lived by the strategy “To Respond.” This indicates his natural inclination towards responding to life’s events and influences rather than initiating action.

His 1/3 Profile suggests a life path driven by a thirst for investigation and experiential learning. The Right Angle Cross of Laws, his Incarnation Cross, emphasizes his role in understanding and establishing foundational principles, which is evident in his methodical approach to art and his frequent return to specific themes and motifs.

Challenges and Personal Struggles

Despite his professional success, Degas faced personal and financial challenges. The Franco-Prussian War saw him volunteer in defense of Paris, a period that coincided with the deterioration of his eyesight, significantly impacting his ability to work outdoors.

Family obligations also weighed heavily on Degas. When his brother’s financial speculations threatened the family’s reputation, he sold his artworks, compromising his principles to restore stability. These experiences shaped his reserved, sometimes cantankerous demeanor, distancing him from friends and the changing socio-political landscape.

Degas’ Legacy and Human Design Channels

Degas’ legacy is a tapestry woven with creativity, dedication, and innovation. His work, notably in printmaking and experimentation with pastels, showcased the Channel 11-56, which embodies the energy of curiosity and storytelling. This is evident in his ability to capture and narrate the essence of contemporary Parisian life through art.

The Channel 20-10 highlights his commitment to perfecting his craft, emphasizing self-expression and authenticity—hallmarks of his artistic journey. Meanwhile, Channel 3-60 underscores his capacity for innovation, pushing boundaries in art without succumbing to commercial pressures.

Later Years and Artistic Influence

Degas’ later years were marked by reclusion as his eyesight continued to fail. He shifted focus to sculpture, particularly in clay, creating dynamic representations of female dancers and horses. Despite outliving many of his peers, Degas remained a solitary figure, refusing to align with the emerging modernist movements such as Cubism.

After his death on September 27, 1917, in Paris, Degas’ influence persisted. His works commanded unprecedented prices, a testament to his enduring impact on the art world. Discovery of his wax sculptures in 1955 and subsequent exhibitions further cemented his status as a pivotal figure in art history.

FAQs about Edgar Degas

What is Edgar Degas’ Human Design?

Edgar Degas’ Human Design reveals him as a Generator with a Sacral Inner Authority, a strategy “To Respond,” and a 1/3 Profile. His Incarnation Cross is the Right Angle Cross of Laws, with channels 11-56, 20-10, and 3-60.

How did Degas’ Human Design influence his art?

Degas’ Generator type and Sacral Authority influenced his responsive approach to art, while his 1/3 Profile drove his investigative and experiential approach to mastering artistic techniques. The channels in his design facilitated his storytelling ability, commitment to authenticity, and capacity for innovation.

Why did Edgar Degas become reclusive later in life?

Degas’ reclusiveness was partly due to his deteriorating eyesight, which limited his ability to work outdoors and engage with peers. Personal disillusionment with societal changes and financial strains also contributed to his solitary lifestyle.

What are some notable works by Edgar Degas?

Degas is known for masterpieces like “The Bellelli Family,” dynamic ballet scenes, and intimate portrayals of Parisian life. His experimentation with mediums and techniques, such as pastels and sculpture, further showcases his artistic legacy.