Some art historians have difficulty fitting Edgar Degas into a more narrowly conceived definition of Impressionism; but remaining behind the movement Edgar Degas was its dedicated driving force.

Degas had distinction, spirit, and was not afraid of the obstacles he might encounter. He was one of the great ones, one of the brusque characters of the time, who could be critical and curt to an absurd extreme. He was an artist: he was possessed. He worked hard at psychologically precise, realistic portraits, observing light and colour very closely. The hallmark of Degas' art was world of theatre, dance and music. He devoted most of his attention to ballerinas practising under their master or rehearsing on stage.

Early in his life Degas began to have problems with eyesight. That's why he gave up painting in favour of pastels and charcoal drawings. Degas also sculpted dancers and bathers in wax and clay. Once blindness no longer permitted drawing, all that was left was to work with his fingers.

NEW: Read Edgar Degas biography.