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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.
Provenance
Paul-Albert Bartholomé; (Cesar M. de Hauke); Kimbell Art Foundation, Fort Worth, TX; (sale, Sotheby's, New York, May 13, 1987, sold to Robert Light); (Samuel Josefowitz, Lausanne, Switzerland, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH); Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Dimensions
31.5 × 22.6 cm
Movement / Period
Accession No
2004.87
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917)
Prints • France, 19th century • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery