Degas 1834-1917

by Jean Sutherland Boggs, Douglas W. Druick, Henri Loyrette

Comprehensive in scope and definitive in nature, this volume includes paintings, pastels, drawings, monotypes, prints, photographs, and sculpture representing every aspect of the career of one of the protean artists of the nineteenth century. Lavishly illustrated. Text is in English, with essays by Jean Sutherland Boggs, Douglas W. Druick, Henri Loyrette, Michael Pantazzi and Gary Tinterow. The exhibition was also held at the National Gallery of Canada and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

640 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 1988

About the author

Jean Sutherland Boggs; born in Peru; died Aug. 22, at 92, in Ottawa, Ontario, where she lived; Degas scholar; doctorate in art history from Harvard University; director of the National Gallery of Canada, from 1966 to 1976; director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 1978 to 1982; after leaving Philadelphia, she returned to Canada to head the Canada Museums Construction Corp., which oversaw design and construction of a new National Gallery building and what became the Canadian Museum of Civilization

Reviews

[Ed Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a biography as such, but one of the reasons for reading an art book is the pictures.

This work is the product of a major Degas exhibit, with about 400 excellent illustrations (almost all in color), and accompanied by copious background information.

The text, although rather dry, gives a great idea of his achievements and breadth.

It is sectioned off into small segments accompanying each plate, and also accompanying each phase of his career. So I found myself, skimming somewhat, always looking at all the plates, and sometimes giving close scrutiny parts of particular interest to me.

[Bertha · Rating 4 out of 5]

an overall great analysis of art and its creator, Degas. From family portraits to jockeys on horses to ballet dancers to nude bathers; Degas shows a vibrant yet subtle style with different mediums but mainly charcoal and pastel.

Some of his works shown that I enjoyed:
Young Spartans, 1860
Four Studies of a Jockey, 1866/68
Yellow Dancers (In the Wings), 1874/76
Retiring, 1883
The Morning Bath, 1890/96

[Allegra Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend reading this only if you have an in depth knowledge of art analysis. I do not, and I struggled a bit.

[Frejola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pra mim, alguns dos quadros e enquadramentos mais instigantes da história da pintura.