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Mary Cassatt at the Louvre: The Paintings Gallery
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Cassatt said that she posed for Degas "only once in a while when he finds the movement difficult and the model cannot seem to get his idea." In fact, she modeled for her friend on numerous occasions beginning in 1879 for a pastel titled <em>At the Louvre</em>, upon which Degas based this etching. Here, Degas showed Cassatt and her sister Lydia in Paris's Musée du Louvre, both involved in studying the paintings on view. Created at a time when women were less frequently seen alone in pub spaces, the image suggests the young women's independence and confidence.
| Artist / Maker | Edgar Degas |
|---|---|
| Date | 1879–80 |
| Culture / Origin | France, 19th century |
| Medium | etching, softground etching, and aquatint |
| Dimensions | Platemark: 30.2 x 12.6 cm (11 7/8 x 4 15/16 in.); Sheet: 36.5 x 22.3 cm (14 3/8 x 8 3/4 in.) |
| Department | Prints |
| Type |
About the Artist
Son of a Parisian banker, Edgar Degas enrolled in law school in 1853 following his father's wishes. But he had already shown an interest in art and had also registered to copy at the Louvre. In 1855 he entered the École des Beaux-Arts and became a student of Louis Lamothe (1822-1869), a former pupil of Ingres (q.v.). One year later Degas made the traditional journey to Italy, remaining there for three years. He visited family members in Naples and Florence… Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
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