Pagans and Degas's Father 1882

Edgar Degas made this portrait of his father using pastels on paper, a medium prized for its immediacy and soft, luminous effects. Pastels allowed Degas to build up layers of color with a feathery touch, creating a sense of depth and volume in his father's figure. The powdery pigments blend softly, giving a delicate quality to the work. The artist uses sharp, decisive lines to capture the character of his subject. But look closely, and you can see how the pastel is applied in loose, broken strokes, suggesting the fleeting nature of observation. Although seemingly effortless, the execution of this piece required considerable skill and control. Degas chose pastels for their tactile quality and the speed with which they could be applied, enabling him to capture a fleeting likeness. In doing so, he elevated a humble medium to new heights of artistic expression. Ultimately, it is Degas' mastery of his materials and making that brings this intimate portrait to life.