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Self Portrait, 1857. Creator: Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917)
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Self Portrait, 1857. Creator: Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917)
Self Portrait, 1857. In the 1850s Degas frequently used himself as a model, but he made only one self-portrait in a print medium, of which only ten known impressions of the first three states exist. Through successive stages of biting the plate, Degas built up the darks gradually, using layers of crosshatching to achieve large areas of tone. The third and most successful state--like this impression--is the most dramatic due to additional tone and etched lines on the face, hat, and coat. An especially beautiful sheet, the museums Self-Portrait was printed from a plate carefully wiped to create atmospheric, chiaroscuro effects that allow the clearly drawn eyes to look directly at the viewer, achieving a psychologically powerful and intense portrait of the artist at age 23. This impression was inscribed by the artist to his friend, the painter and sculptor Paul Albert Bartholome
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Media ID 19641553
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1834 1917 Edgar Degas Edgar Degas French Etching And Drypoint Impressionist
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This self-portrait by Edgar Degas, created in 1857, showcases the artist's mastery of printmaking. While Degas often used himself as a model during this period, he only produced one self-portrait in a print medium. This particular print is an exquisite example of his technique, with only ten known impressions of the first three states in existence. Degas meticulously built up the dark areas of the image through successive stages of biting the plate, employing layers of crosshatching to achieve rich tonal effects. The third state, represented by this impression, is particularly striking due to additional tones and etched lines on the face, hat, and coat. What sets this self-portrait apart is its ability to establish a profound connection between viewer and subject. By carefully wiping the plate during printing to create atmospheric chiaroscuro effects, Degas allows his eyes - clearly drawn and intensely focused - to engage directly with those who gaze upon it. At just 23 years old when he created this piece, Degas captures not only his physical likeness but also conveys a psychologically powerful representation of himself as an artist. This specific impression holds even greater significance as it was inscribed by Degas himself for his friend Paul Albert Bartholome - a painter and sculptor. Preserved within The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection today, it stands as both a testament to Degas' artistic prowess and a personal token exchanged between two creative minds.
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