The Actress Ellen Andrée

The Actress Ellen Andrée is a significant print created by Edgar Degas in 1879. This French artist, known primarily for his Impressionist-era depictions of movement and modern Parisian life, utilized the demanding intaglio technique of drypoint for this portrait. Specifically, Degas experimented with a novel tool, sometimes referred to as an "electric crayon," to scratch directly into the copper plate. This experimental approach characterizes the innovative spirit of the artist and the period spanning 1876 to 1900, during which Degas produced some of his most sophisticated graphic works.

Ellen Andrée, the celebrated café-concert performer and actress, was a frequent subject for several Impressionists, including Édouard Manet and Renoir, as well as Degas. In this particular rendering, the actress is captured with characteristic immediacy, a hallmark of the artist’s interest in depicting candid, unposed moments of modern life. Drypoint engraving, unlike etching, creates a soft, rich burr around the lines, allowing Degas to achieve a depth of tone and psychological intimacy that elevates this piece beyond a simple photographic record. The resulting image showcases the artist's focus on capturing spontaneous posture and intense focus, traits often seen in his depictions of dancers and musicians.

This classification of The Actress Ellen Andrée is part of the extensive collection of prints housed at the National Gallery of Art. Degas was a prolific printmaker, recognizing the graphic arts as vital tools for experimentation and wider distribution. Although the work originated within the specific timeframe of 1876 to 1900, the image of Andrée has achieved widespread recognition. High-quality reproductions of these historical prints are now commonly available, with many original impressions, including this one, residing in public domain collections globally, ensuring the lasting accessibility of Degas’s pioneering graphic work.