The Life and Works of Degas (World's Great Artists) [Library Binding]

Douglas Mannering (Author), Mannering Douglas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997 | Series: World's Great Artists

Although Degas is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, & shared a fondness for scenes from modern life, he did not share their enthisasm for light & color, preferring to concentrate on composition, drawing & form. His techniques were highly original, owing something to the current vogue for Japanese prints, giving a 'snapshot' effect, with figures ofen cropped off at the top or sides. This splendid book shows many of Degas' most famous works At the Races, in front of the Stand, is typical - seemingly casual, yet worked out to the last detail; the Dance Class, showing how he loved informal poses & an unusual viewwwpoint, & his matter-of-fact nudes, such as The Tub.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub (L) (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1858135060
• ISBN-13: 978-1858135069
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,175,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Of Light and Dark, August 22, 2009

By 

Ann B. Keller "Ann B. Keller" (Cleveland, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life and Works of Degas (World's Great Artists) (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful snapshot of the life and art of Edgar Degas, a painter who lived in the heart of the Victorian era. Degas is probably best known for his variations on two themes, ballet and nudes. The master meticulously recreated his subjects in various venues, perfecting his craft with each rendering.

Interestingly enough, Degas composed his portraits with the central subjects a little off center and visually sliced straight through key elements of each picture, too. Rather than gathering and placing his subjects in each painting for maximum effect, Edgar Degas had no difficulty painting only a portion of a figure at the edge of the frame, very much like our modern photographs. In this, he was indeed a painter ahead of his time. This book beautifully captures the essential focus of his style, as well as the heart and soul of the man himself.