Artwork Page for Diego Martelli

Details / Information for Diego Martelli

Diego Martelli

1879

Edgar Degas

(French, 1834–1917)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
charcoal and white chalk
Support
Brown wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 44 x 31.3 cm (17 5/16 x 12 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1953.268
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The ghostly white tone of Diego Martelli's face was likely pink or peach when Degas made the work, and has gradually faded over time.

Description

This sheet is one of many studies that Degas made in 1879 of his friend and supporter, the Italian art critic and patron Diego Martelli (1839-1896). Martelli was one of the most important champions of progressive modern art in Italy, and his writings on the 1879 Impressionist show became famous, playing a crucial role in publicizing the movement. This sheet relates to two painted portraits of the critic, one in the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, and the other in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Buenos Aires.
A vertically oriented charcoal and white chalk drawing on tan paper depicts Diego Martelli, a man with light skin tone, from the chest up. Tilting his head downward and facing our left, he has dark hair pulled back and a thick beard. White chalk highlights his forehead, nose, and cheek, while sketchy charcoal lines define his jacket and downcast eyes. A small red signature sits in the lower-left corner.

Diego Martelli

1879

Edgar Degas

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

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork