Artwork Page for Angel Blowing a Trumpet

Details / Information for Angel Blowing a Trumpet

Angel Blowing a Trumpet

1857–59

Edgar Degas

(French, 1834–1917)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
black chalk
Support
Gray wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 44.1 x 54 cm (17 3/8 x 21 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1976.130
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Related studies suggest that the subject is a male model; Degas added breasts almost as an afterthought.

Description

The figure in this drawing closely resembles a number of trumpeting angels in drawings that Edgar Degas made between 1856 and 1858 in preparation for an ambitious but ultimately unrealized history painting on the subject of Saint John the Evangelist accompanied by an angel. Rather than referring to any single passage in the Book of Revelation, Degas distilled an image from passages describing seven trumpeting angels who unleash destruction on earth with their blasts, the voice of Christ that addresses John in loud tones "like a trumpet," and individual angels who lead and instruct the Evangelist.
A horizontally oriented black chalk drawing on beige paper depicts a nude, muscular angel with a light skin tone from the waist up. Facing our right, the figure blows into a long, thin trumpet. Their head is in profile, hair swept back. Fine hatching and shading define the musculature, with sketchy lines outlining the back and arms. One hand grips the mouthpiece while the other extends diagonally to hold the instrument.

Angel Blowing a Trumpet

1857–59

Edgar Degas

(French, 1834–1917)
France, 19th century

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