Born in Paris in 1834, Edgar Degas was a foundational figure of the Impressionist movement, though he preferred to describe himself as a realist. He received his early artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts and spent his formative years studying the works of the Old Masters in Italy before returning to France to develop his distinct style.

Degas is best known for his innovative compositions and his focus on movement, frequently capturing subjects in candid, off-center poses. His primary mediums included oil paint, pastel, and later in his career, bronze sculpture. He was particularly celebrated for his extensive series of works depicting ballet dancers, laundresses, and racehorses, which demonstrated his keen observation of the human form.

Today, Degas remains a central figure in the history of 19th-century art, with his works held in major museum collections worldwide. His influence persists through his technical experimentation with color and line, which bridged the gap between traditional academic painting and the modern avant-garde.