Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas

A Carriage at the Races

Edgar Degas

A Roman Beggar Woman

Edgar Degas

A Woman Seated Beside a Vase of Flowers, Madame Paul Valpincon

Edgar Degas

Achille Degas in the Uniform of a Cadet

Edgar Degas

After the Bath

Edgar Degas

After the Bath, Woman Drying Herself

Edgar Degas

At the Ballet

Edgar Degas

At the Milliner’s

Edgar Degas

At the Milliner’s

Edgar Degas

At the Milliner’s

Edgar Degas

At the Mirror

Edgar Degas

Ballerina and Lady with a Fan

Edgar Degas

Ballerina Changing

Edgar Degas

Ballet Class

Edgar Degas

Ballet Dancers

Edgar Degas

Ballet Dancers on the Stage

Edgar Degas

Ballet Rehearsal

Edgar Degas

Ballet Rehearsal on Stage

Edgar Degas

Ballet Scene

Edgar Degas

Bather Stepping Into a Tub

Edgar Degas

Bathers

Edgar Degas

Beach Scene

Edgar Degas

Before The Race

Edgar Degas

Before the Race

Edgar Degas

Before the Race

Edgar Degas

Billiards Room at Menil-Hubert

Edgar Degas

Café Concert at Les Ambassadeurs

Edgar Degas

Combing the Hair, La Coiffure

Edgar Degas

Dance Class

Edgar Degas

Dance Class at the Opera

Edgar Degas

Dance Class

Edgar Degas

Dancers in Blue

Edgar Degas

Dancers in Pink

Edgar Degas

The Star (L’etoile)

Edgar Degas

The Dance Class

Edgar Degas

Rehearsal of Ballet on the Stage

Edgar Degas

Jockeys in the Rain

Edgar Degas

Racehorses at Longchamp

Edgar Degas Paintings

Brilliant, inspirational, controversial; all these words aptly describe Edgar Degas, a Parisian artist who, oddly enough, rejected the impressionist label even though he was a huge part of, and influenced many artists from, the Impressionist movement. Degas was more than a painter; he was a sculptor, draftsman, and even dabbled in photography. Many Degas paintings were shown in Impressionist exhibits from 1874 to 1886. Despite this, Degas voiced his displeasure of the label, stating Edgar Degas paintings, "never adopted the Impressionist color fleck." A Degas painting is a treasure to any art collector. Edgar Degas's famous paintings include striking images of dancers, women, and racehorses, among others. Edgar Degas is famous for his ability to translate the actual physical movement of his subjects onto the canvas with real integrity. This is why Degas referred to his art as "realist."

Degas's paintings began as reflections of times in history; Degas wanted to paint history. Early in his career, however, Degas began painting people and scenes around him with breathtaking accuracy. Quickly his paintings went from being historical pieces to contemporary ones. A Degas painting is more structured than other paintings from the Impressionist period. This is because he used a more formal approach to his work than his contemporaries. Edgar Degas began his art studies by focusing on drawing and worked with lines rather than the freestyle approach many other Impressionists used. Admirers looking closely at any one of the many of Edgar Degas's famous paintings can almost see the structure that began with lines.

Of course, owning actual Degas paintings is any art collector's dream. That said, the price tags are insurmountable. Edgar Degas's paintings fetch a pretty penny, despite the cranky artist's well-known reputation of being a recluse and curmudgeon. A Degas painting adds more depth to an Impressionist collection, however, due to his strict belief in traditional techniques. The detail in many of Edgar Degas's famous paintings rival the best in the world, so owning one only adds stunning beauty to any indoor space. Degas was a purest and a perfectionist, and visitors will be drawn into the refined, classical depth of any Degas piece hung on the wall.

Many art galleries and stores offer replicas of Degas paintings. Most of the time, however, these replicas fail to truly capture the essence of true Edgar Degas paintings. This is because a Degas painting needs to be painted as it was originally to truly reflect the artist's depth in the original work. Arts Heaven employs painters -- specialists if you will -- who are versed and skilled in creating oil and canvas replicas of many Edgar Degas famous paintings. These modern-day artists appreciate the work of their "teacher," Edgar Degas, and work exclusively to present a true-to-life replica that will enhance any home art collection.

• • Loyola University New Orleans: Edgar Degas