Degas: Beyond Impressionism

Rating:
Summary: Six great articles and many magnificent plates
Review: I was fortunate enough to see this show in London and actually have the article in the Telegraph from Sunday July 26, 1996 that inspired me to see the show. This really beautiful book contains six interesting articles on aspects of the art shown in this event. The first is partly biographical on the last years if the artist's life. I say this because a discussion of the biography must also include some discussion of the art.

The second article discusses Degas' role in the art market in his later years. His current popularity does not give you a proper sense of the complex reactions different portions of the art marketplace and the general population had towards him in his last years.

The third article is a fascinating study of the artist's craft and centers on studies and photographs he used to prepare for his finished and larger works. I remember being very fascinated by the studies while viewing the exhibition.

The fourth article discusses his use of pastels and oils in his later years. Degas was a master colorist and the way he layered his pastels and saturates us with color is still breathtaking. The fifth article discusses his subject matter and how it changed over his last few years.

The sixth article discusses his place in the community of artists and their society in his later years. This is interesting given his reputation as a recluse.

The second half of the book provides full-page plates of the paintings, drawings, sketches, and sculpture in the exhibition. There is also a chronology of his later years, the lenders to the exhibition and a detailed list of items in the exhibition, notes for the articles, and an index.

As fine a book accompanying an exhibition as you will likely find.