Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait by Edgar Degas, created in 1857, offers an intimate and rigorous look into the formative years of the celebrated French artist. This print was executed using the precise and expressive combination of etching and drypoint. At just 23 years old, Degas was deeply immersed in the tradition of academic draftsmanship, rigorously honing his skills through portraiture and the demanding process of printmaking before achieving renown for his painting and pastel work decades later. This early piece demonstrates a foundational commitment to classical methods rooted in the established art culture of 19th-century France.

The chosen medium of drypoint allowed Degas to achieve rich, velvety lines through the burr created when scratching the copper plate, lending immediacy and depth to his self-gaze. Unlike the spontaneity of the later Impressionist movements, which would define his mature career, this early work prioritizes clear delineation and a psychological intensity typical of contemporary Realist portraiture. Self-portraits served as crucial exercises for developing artists, providing an opportunity to explore composition and character study without requiring a commissioned sitter.

Early prints, such as this Self-Portrait, are invaluable for understanding the artistic evolution of the young master, who would later become famed for his dynamic depictions of ballet dancers and Parisian life. Documenting a crucial moment in the technical and conceptual training of one of the 19th century’s most complex artists, this work is preserved today in the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.