Program for the Soiree Artistique (Programme de la Soirée des anciens élèves du Lycée de Nantes) 1844

Edgar Degas’s 1844 artwork, "Program for the Soiree Artistique," is a sketch that showcases the artist's early experimentation with line and form. The program features various sketches, including a dancer in mid-pose, a musician playing a cello, and a view of a harbor. Degas's signature can be seen in the top right corner, indicating his authorship. The program for the Soiree Artistique, a gala organized by the alumni of the Nantes Lycee, highlights Degas's diverse artistic interests, demonstrating his talent for capturing both movement and stillness. While not a finished work, this sketch provides a glimpse into the young Degas's artistic development and his fascination with the world around him.