Marguerite Degas, the Artist’s Sister

Marguerite Degas, the Artist’s Sister is an intimate early portrait executed by Edgar Degas French, 1834-1917, between 1860 and 1862. This profound classification of printmaking utilizes the demanding medium of etching in black on ivory laid paper. Created early in the artist’s career, the piece showcases Degas's skillful control of line and tone, emphasizing the delicate profile of his sibling. The use of etching allowed the artist to capture subtle textures and deep contrasts, providing a visual honesty characteristic of his nascent realist sensibilities.

During the 1860s, Degas focused heavily on academic portraiture before fully embracing the Impressionist movement. This work exemplifies the technical rigor he inherited from his training in France. Portraits of family members, like Marguerite, provided the artist with accessible subjects for experimentation, allowing him to refine his drawing and compositional technique, particularly within the challenging format of the print. The sitter is presented with formal simplicity, conveying a sense of quiet introspection typical of refined mid-19th-century portrait conventions.

As a vital example of Degas’s early output, this etching is highly valued among collectors and scholars. The artwork is now part of the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, securing its longevity and accessibility for scholarly study. Works such as this, produced by celebrated masters, including high-quality prints, are sometimes made available through public domain archives, ensuring that images of these historically significant works remain accessible globally for education and appreciation.