Autoportrait c. 1862

This is a self-portrait of Edgar Degas, made using oil paints. The choice of oil, a traditional medium, speaks to Degas’s artistic training, yet his application is far from conventional. Notice the visible brushstrokes, the varied texture, and the way light interacts with the paint's surface. The opacity of the paint allows for layering, creating depth and dimension. This technique demands a deep understanding of materials and process; each stroke contributes to the overall image. Degas’s focus on materiality elevates the painting beyond mere representation. He engages with traditions of painting, yet also acknowledges the labor involved in its production, and even challenges us to consider how the art object comes into being. By focusing on process, Degas transforms traditional modes, inviting us to see the artwork as both a crafted object and an artistic expression. This perspective blurs the lines between fine art and the skilled crafts, enriching our understanding of the painting's significance.