COURSE DESCRIPTION

The paintings, prints, and sculpture of Edgar Degas (1834-1917) have been used to characterize Naturalism, Impressionism, and Symbolism, both during the artist’s lifetime and later. The oddity and sophistication of his work and his penchant for privacy and prevarication nonetheless have made him especially difficult to define, despite his fame and the intense debate surrounding him even while alive. Both the man and his oeuvre became vital lightning rods for art-historical polemics—and remain fertile subjects for ongoing study. This seminar investigates Degas from various perspectives in order to confront a complex artist and period; to consider the methodologies applied to Degas studies; and to develop research skills by working with primary sources (for example, nineteenth-century exhibition catalogues and letters). Field trips to examine works in nearby museum collections, both during class and on weekends, are essential. Background in art history is strongly advised