Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait is a formative early work created by Edgar Degas in 1855. Executed in red chalk on laid paper, this detailed drawing exemplifies the French artist’s intense focus on draftsmanship before he fully embraced the Impressionist movement. During this period, spanning roughly 1851 to 1875, Degas was deeply engaged in mastering classical techniques, often studying old masters and rigorously drawing from life. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding the technical precision that would characterize his revolutionary later output.

The use of red chalk, or sanguine, allows for subtle modeling and rich tonal variations, lending the self-portrait a serious, almost austere quality. Degas depicts himself formally, suggesting a deep self-awareness and focused ambition typical of a young artist dedicated to his craft. Unlike the quick, vibrant studies of dancers and bathers that define his mature career, this piece is meticulously rendered, focusing on the subtle geometry of the face and the expressive quality of the eyes. The deliberate handling of line and shadow underscores Degas’s foundational belief that drawing was the essential basis of art, a principle he maintained throughout his life.

This significant drawing serves as a vital record of Degas’s artistic origins, confirming his grounding in classical training even as his contemporaries began to challenge academic strictures. The work currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it helps illustrate the early trajectory of one of the 19th century's most innovative figures. As a foundational piece documenting a critical phase of the artist's development, the work is frequently referenced by scholars. The accessibility of high-quality prints and the artwork’s eventual status within the public domain ensure its continued study by art historians worldwide.