The Influence Of Photography In The Works Of Edgar Degas
Table of Contents
The context of Degas
Degas’s influence on photography
In conclusion,
Photography changes time in an instant.
Photography, meaning “drawing light”, combines two different sciences. One is optics, where light rays are used to form images inside a camera. The other is chemistry, which allows the image of the subject to be captured and saved permanently onto a light-sensitive material. Photography was invented in 1826 by Joseph Nicephore Niepce (1765-1833), during a time of industrial revolution. Some critics called it a threat and others called it the “mortal enemy of art”. The “camera illusion of truthfulness” was the reason artists were worried about photography replacing art. Louis Daguerre invented the Daguerreotype (1839), which was precise and affordable. It became an instant success in society. Snapshot photography was a way to capture photographs without the need for professional camerawork. This type photography was created by George Eastman (1854-1932). He introduced the Kodak camera for $25. People went from being afraid to blur their photos and were unable to move around. This invention allowed people to try out new angles and ideas. The controversy surrounding the use of cameras in public places caused by their accessibility, meant that a photograph could be taken without permission. This was a departure from previous inventions, where you had to consent to have your photo taken. Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) was a photographer who tried to capture stages of speed too fast for the human eye. This created new scientific studies, especially on racehorses. The anatomy and movements of horses were captured by the snapshot camera. This was a first for the world. Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), an artist from the 17th century, invented the ‘cameraobscura’. This was a room that had its windows closed and a small hole made in a blind. The hole in the screen allowed light to pass through and create an image. This image was projected onto the opposite wall or onto the screen. The influence of photography was inevitable. Some artists rejected it but others accepted it. Degas began his life as an artist and was encouraged to do so. After completing a baccalaureate program in literature, he moved in Paris to study drawing under Louis Lamothe (1855-1862). Degas met Edouard Manet (1832-1883), who was an academic artist. This was a turning point in Degas’ art career. He gained inspiration from Paris’ shops, operas, and cafes. He also became famous for his keen observation and ability to capture detail from his surroundings. Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904), an artist who captured the movements of people and horses, was one of Degas’ most influential influences. Degas also was influenced by Japanese prints. Degas appreciated the bold, flat compositions of Japanese prints and their sense that they were more flat than Western art. Degas was known for his unconventional approach to painting. He tried to capture images in unusual positions and angles. Degas preferred to use sketches and memory to create his paintings, while the Impressionists preferred to paint “en plein-air”. Degas’s work is always beautiful and shows the unrestrained style he has. Degas was exposed to ballet and found that he enjoyed both classical beauty and realism. Degas began to paint and draw from these shows. Degas initially painted images from an audience point of views. However, he wanted to see behind scenes of the studios where the dancers were practicing. Degas was able to learn more about the world of ballet dancers by going backstage.
“Dance Class (1871″)” is a simplified and linear room filled with ballet performers. It is pictured as a group of ballet dancers grouped together to the right of the painting. The natural light coming into the room from the window is difficult to see without the large mirror at the wall. The viewer is presented with a complex view of the reflections from the various mirrors in this painting. This gives them a different perspective and allows them to see the backs of their dancers. The mirror at the center of the painting is smaller and creates more varied shapes. The painting’s focal point lies to the left. Here, many ballet performers are standing behind a grand pianist, looking in the exact same direction as they would when watching the girl dance at the front. Degas didn’t create a unique perspective to show the entire room from his view. It would have shown the setting better if the viewpoint had been further away from its focal point. Also, it would have shown the whole extent of the building in more detail. Degas shows some photography influences, though there are still traces of it. Degas clearly tried to capture even the smallest details in his painting. Degas can be seen moving around in the room individually while they dance in front Degas. The viewer is drawn back to the centre of Degas’ painting by the violin case, which can be seen at the bottom of this foreground. The painting has a quiet mood with only the sounds and music of the teacher.
Degas’s work, such the Portrait of Diego Martelli (1879), which was painted before snapping photography was widespread, did not include photographic features. Degas sought to create pieces that were unexpected in their perspectives, abruptly cutting off forms and with strange perspectives.
Degas’s influence on photography A photograph was a way to see with new eyes, and he used it to keep his loved ones close when they died. Degas was inspired by Muybridge’s interest in motion photography. He took hundreds, mostly photographs of animals, but also of humans, in 1880. These photos showed movement that was impossible to see with the naked eyes. Degas learned this technique from other artists and was able to show the blurred legs, neck, and movements of racehorses. Degas once said “Art doesn’t depend on what you see,” and photography was a great tool to capture the movements of people that the human eye can’t. He was able to better study gestures and movements by discovering Muybridge’s many, moving photos at high shutter speeds. Degas was particularly fond of using photography in his ballet dancer paintings. Sight-lines in the middle are oblique and high. Degas was able to see better with photography.
The painting ‘The Dance Foyer at the Opera (1872), shows a grand and traditional studio that is full of ballet dancers. The room is lit by natural light from all directions. The ballerinas are illuminated by the natural light as it hits their bodies and tutus. Mirrors can be used as a backdrop to create a feeling of depth. The mirror also gives the illusion of another room. The piece’s central focal point is in the middle, slightly to right. Here, there are a few ballerinas moving in distorted, angular movements. Degas is shown as Degas, who is the single person trying to present his views to everyone. This could be related to Degas’s style of art and his desire to share with everyone what he sees. The chair at the top of the picture helps create a circular image that enthuses the viewer. This can be further enhanced by the dancer in the bottom right corner. She points her legs towards center and creates a more circled image. Degas was also a photographer and wanted to show photography that captured every little detail. The door at the left, which has the ballet dancer in it, could be a way to access Degas’s past since the dancers appear to be mirroring each other. The lone person to the left, however, is continuing with their idea naturally and casually. The painting’s mood and atmosphere is characterized by silence and muted piano sounds, which match the colours and atmosphere. The piece is lit softly and features controlled dancers. Overall, the piece is relaxing and gives the viewer a sense relaxation.
He makes this painting look effortless, casual and natural despite it being meticulously and carefully composed. It is clear that Degas had a great deal to do with photography.
Degas wasn’t the only artist who was influenced when photography was invented. Photography gave scientists and artists new insights, so artists began to experiment with photography in order to improve their work. Cezanne used photographs from magazines to paint flowers and even a self portrait. He used perspective to emphasize each object in the scene, which made his work stand out. His work was inspired by Degas’s photo. He would attempt to make the pieces look real using movement and composition. American artist Thomas Le Clear (1818-1882), used an early daguerreotype taken by the two children. This painting was created using the idea that there is tension between painting and photography due to the presence of portraits around the children. The entry of the dog into the door could be an indication of the limitations in early photography to just still subjects. Degas used a technique similar to Le Clear. His paintings of racehorses or ballet dancers utilized composition ideas that involved cutting parts of the subjects. Jean-Leon Gerome (1824-1904), French painter-sculptor also used photography as a way to document real life and achieve aesthetic goals. The piece Phryne before Areopagus (1861), depicts a nude female. Based on a Nadar (1820 – 1910) photograph, it presents an actual image and not an ideal representation of the woman.
When photography was first introduced in the world, many people thought it would have killed painting. The medium was faster and more versatile than painting. Because portraits were less expensive and more easily produced than painted portraits, they are still considered a luxury for the wealthy. However, the popularity of photography increased with the inclusion of many people. People believed that photography would be the end of painting and the market for painters would collapse. Artists had the freedom to experiment with photography’s new invention. Degas was among the first to use radical cropping in his paintings. It gave him a free-flowing feel, allowing the characters to be placed in unusual places and creating interesting compositions. You could mistakenly associate ‘flat patterns’ with distorted perspectives. With the ability to capture movement at speeds faster than the human eyes, artists were able see every movement in the world with extraordinary vision. Artists used photography to capture landscapes and a moment in time. This was a way to avoid using models who would be too slow or uncomfortable while the painting was going on.
While it’s true that some artists lost their jobs due to the invention photography, others found creative ways to use the tool. Degas approached photography as an open approach and tried out many different subjects and ideas.
