Edgar Degas: Self-Portrait 1857

Edgar Degas's "Self-Portrait" from 1857 is a striking example of the artist's early work. The etching, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts Degas in a somber mood, wearing a dark hat and coat. The artist's face is partially obscured by shadow, creating a sense of mystery and introspection. This early self-portrait foreshadows Degas's later interest in capturing the complexities of human emotion through his art.