The Bellelli Family 1862

Edgar Degas painted The Bellelli Family in around 1858-67, a large oil on canvas that presents his aunt, her husband, and their two daughters in Florence. Here, Degas paints a family portrait, a genre traditionally associated with wealth and social standing. But, instead of an idealized vision, the family dynamic feels tense. Painted in Italy, but by a French artist, Degas combines a northern European attention to detail with a modern awareness of psychological complexity. The formal attire and stern expressions reflect the rigid social expectations of the 19th century, particularly within bourgeois families. The father is separated, almost exiled to the edge of the canvas. The mother’s black dress suggests mourning, perhaps hinting at family conflicts or grief. To fully appreciate Degas’ work, it is crucial to consult primary sources and understand the socio-political context of the time. Family letters and historical accounts of bourgeois life would shed light on the Bellelli's circumstances. By exploring these resources, we can begin to understand the tensions and social pressures that shaped this compelling, yet unsettling family portrait.