At the Café des Ambassadeurs

At the Café des Ambassadeurs by Edgar Degas French, 1834-1917, is a masterful example of the artist's commitment to experimentation within the classification of prints. Created between 1879 and 1880, this work utilizes a complex combination of intaglio techniques, specifically etching, soft ground drypoint, and aquatint applied to buff laid paper. Degas meticulously layered these methods to achieve a sophisticated range of tonal depth and textural effects, moving far beyond the simple linear quality often associated with conventional graphic art.

As a leading figure in documenting modern life in France, Degas frequently turned his attention to the fleeting moments captured in Parisian cafes and public spaces. Rather than focusing on grand historical narratives, this piece reflects his interest in candid, unposed observation, often employing the off-kilter compositions reminiscent of photography. The interplay of soft ground for broad tonal areas and drypoint for sharp, atmospheric details illustrates the artist’s dedication to technical innovation, often executing numerous states of a single image before achieving the desired result.

This meticulous approach to printmaking established Degas as a significant contributor to the revival of etching as a fine art medium during the late 19th century. The work resides today within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As the influential prints created by Degas have entered the public domain, they continue to serve as essential resources for studying the cultural and social atmosphere of late 19th-century France.