René-Hilaire de Gas, Grandfather of the Artist

René-Hilaire de Gas, Grandfather of the Artist is an intimate portrait print created by Edgar Degas in 1856. Executed using the challenging processes of etching and drypoint, this early graphic work demonstrates Degas’s profound technical interest in printmaking long before he became widely known for his innovative Impressionist paintings and pastels. The subject is the artist’s paternal grandfather, René-Hilaire de Gas (1770-1858), a figure whose aristocratic bearing is captured with serious consideration by the young artist.

This work falls squarely within the early phase of Degas’s career, a critical developmental period roughly bounded by the years 1851 to 1875. During this time, the artist was deeply engaged in academic study, focused on mastering drawing and observing the human form, often turning to family members for portrait studies. Unlike the spontaneous, bustling scenes of Parisian life that would later define his output, this piece is characterized by focused observation and a solemn mood typical of mid-19th century French academic portraiture. The etching technique allowed Degas to achieve finely drawn lines to delineate the details of the grandfather’s face, while the use of drypoint added a distinctive, velvety burr to the figure's attire, lending texture and depth to the composition.

Although he maintained a deep commitment to painting and drawing, Degas consistently returned to printmaking throughout his life, exploring various techniques including lithography and monotype. This specific portrait, however, serves as a significant example of early prints by the master, highlighting his skill in capturing human character through line work alone. The work is permanently housed in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Due to its institutional placement and age, the artwork frequently falls under public domain policies, allowing broad access to high-resolution scans and data for scholars and enthusiasts studying Degas’s initial artistic impulses.