Artwork Page for Self-Portrait

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Self-Portrait

1857

Edgar Degas

(French, 1834–1917)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
etching and drypoint
Support
Laid paper
Measurements
Platemark: 23 x 14.5 cm (9 1/16 x 5 11/16 in.); Sheet: 31.5 x 22.6 cm (12 3/8 x 8 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2004.87
Catalogue raisonné
Reed and Shapiro 8
State
III/IV
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This early self-portrait is especially rare among Edgar Degas's prints, and few impressions are known to exist.

Description

In the 1850s Degas frequently used himself as a model, but he made only one printed self-portrait. Through successive stages of biting the plate and layers of crosshatching, Degas gradually built areas of dark tone. In this impression, Degas added etched lines on the face, hat, and coat and carefully wiped his copper plate to create atmospheric effects. His clearly drawn eyes directly engage the viewer, resulting in a psychologically powerful and intense portrait of the young artist at age 23. This impression was dedicated to his friend, the painter and sculptor Paul Albert Bartholomé.
A vertically oriented print depicts a man wearing a hat and coat, looking at us. Depth and shadows are emphasized through the dark shade of the man's clothes and the smudged background.

Self-Portrait

1857

Edgar Degas

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

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