The Violist 1880

Edgar Degas created "The Violist" with pastel on paper, a medium that allowed him to blend drawing and painting in a spontaneous way. The powdery nature of pastel allowed Degas to capture the texture and form of the musician and his instrument with visible strokes. Look at the way the dark, smudged lines define the violist's form, contrasting with the smoother, blended tones of his face and the instrument. The layering of pastel creates a sense of depth and volume. Pastel was a favorite of Impressionist artists as it was a readily portable medium, suiting their interest in capturing fleeting moments. The material itself allowed for a certain immediacy, but also a subtlety of color. In using this medium, Degas transcends traditional boundaries between sketching and finished artwork. It encourages us to consider the role of process and materiality in art history, and the amount of work involved in the production process.