About Edgar Degas

  • Biography

    The following was written and submitted by Jean Ershler Schatz, artist and researcher from Laguna Woods, California:

    Edgar Degas was born on July 10, 1834 in Paris and died there on September 27, 1917. He was the only 19th century French painter to have direct family ties with America. His mother, the former Marie-Celestine Musson, was born in New Orleans and his brothers Rene and Achille worked for a time in New Orleans with their uncle, Michel Musson. Edgar was the oldest of five children; they were raised in the comfort of a well-to-do family. His father was a banker (The original spelling of their name was de Gas).

    Young Degas had the usual scholastic training but he was exposed to art ...

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