Edgar Degas: Self-Portrait

Edgar Degas: Self-Portrait, created in 1857, is an early and intimate example of the artist’s dedication to the graphic arts. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the delicate processes of etching and drypoint. This piece captures the artist as a young man, still finding his stylistic footing before his revolutionary contributions to Impressionism and modern art.

The technical notation indicates that this impression is the third state of four, documenting Degas's meticulous refinement of the copper plate over successive working stages. Drypoint is evident in the velvety burr surrounding the lines, particularly noticeable in the shadows and contours of the face and clothing. Unlike many later compositions focused on dancers and Parisian life, this early self-portrait is a straightforward, academic study, focusing on the intense, direct gaze of the sitter. Degas depicts himself close-up, emphasizing the introspection common in 19th-century self-portraits of men.

Dating to the pre-Impressionist period, this print represents a foundational moment in Degas’s career, demonstrating his proficiency in traditional techniques acquired during his studies. The work resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As part of a major museum collection, high-quality images of this foundational piece are often made available to the public domain, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide access to these significant early prints by the artist.