Autoportrait c. 1862

"Autoportrait" is a self-portrait by Edgar Degas, a prominent French artist known for his paintings of dancers and horses, and a key figure in the Impressionist movement. Degas's self-portraits are less frequent than his other works, but often show the artist in a contemplative mood, as in this painting, which shows a close-up of the artist's face, with a hint of a shirt collar visible. His signature style, which emphasizes loose brushstrokes and capturing fleeting moments, can be seen in the depiction of his features. This work, created around 1862, provides a glimpse into Degas's early artistic development.