Self-Portrait (Edgar Degas, par lui-même) 1857

Here we see a self-portrait by Edgar Degas, realized as a print. Degas lived during a period of significant social upheaval and changing class structures, and he came from a wealthy family. Degas presents himself in a manner that seems both intimate and detached. There's a certain vulnerability in the way he reveals his features, but also a guardedness, perhaps indicative of the complex negotiations of identity within the 19th-century French Bourgeoisie. Degas was aware of his position in society and was not afraid to break from social norms. He remained unmarried throughout his life and devoted himself to his art. The softness of the printmaking medium adds to the subtle emotional depth of the piece. Degas avoids the traditional, idealized representations of the time, opting for a more raw, honest depiction. Ultimately, this self-portrait is an exploration of identity and self-perception, inviting us to reflect on our own negotiations between inner experience and external presentation.