3 major paintings by Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas was born in Paris on July 18, 1834, 189 years ago! His masterpieces revolutionised pictorial art and inspired entire generations of painters. Today, Museum TV invites you to rediscover Edgar Degas through three major and unforgettable works of his.

The Dance Lesson

Edgar Degas' 'Dance Lesson' is undoubtedly one of the Impressionist master's most renowned paintings. One can easily envision the pianist striking the final chords as the master calls his young prodigies to halt. In fact, Jules Perrot, the famed dance master of the era, is depicted providing instructions to one of the dancers. Positioned at the center of the canvas, leaning on his cane, the instructor commands authority.

The Absinthe Drinker

Observe the melancholy pervading this artwork. Degas's 'L'Absinthe' is a somber painting that depicts a young woman holding a full glass, her expression brimming with sadness. It presents a stark contrast to  'La Prune,' a work by his close friend, Edouard Manet.

Monsieur et Madame Edouard Manet

Degas once gifted his friend a painting portraying him slouched on his sofa, absorbed in his wife's piano playing. However, Manet was not fond of the artwork. During one visit to the Manets' residence, Degas discovered that his painting had been cut into pieces. Overcome with anger, he decided to reclaim his work, and in exchange, he took back a still life he had presented to his rival a few years prior.

For Manet, Degas painted a terrible picture of his wife... No one knows what this representation looked like...

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