He began meeting with other artists who thought the same way. He wasn't interested in painting the same old thing that the Salon wanted. However, the Salon wasn't impressed with Degas' paintings.ĭegas wanted to experiment and try new styles of painting. In order to be considered a major artist, your paintings had to be accepted by the Salon.

The Salon was the official art exhibition in France. Initially he painted traditional subjects including portraits and grand historical scenes. He later painted a famous picture of their family called The Bellelli Family. He stayed with his Aunt who was married to the Baron Bellelli.

Next, Edgar traveled to Italy to study artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. He also attended art school at the School of Fine arts. He copied many of the masterpieces of classical artists like Raphael. Eventually his father agreed to support his art career.Įdgar spent a lot of time at the Louvre, a famous art museum in Paris. Edgar went to law school, but was soon begging his father to let him study as an artist. Edgar showed a talent for drawing while young and wanted to become an artist.Įdgar's father loved the arts, but knew that it was a tough way to make a living. His mother died when he was thirteen years old. Edgar's parents had money and he was able to go to good schools growing up. Famous works: The Dance Class, Dance Class at the Opera, The Bellelli Family, Two Dancers on a Stage, Orchestra MusiciansĮdgar Degas grew up in Paris, France where his mother was an Opera singer and his father a French banker.

Edgar degas complete works