BALLET CLASS (1875)

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Edgar Degas, born 19 July 1834.

French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance and is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, although he rejected the term, and preferred to be called a realist. He was a superb draftsman, and particularly masterly in depicting movement, as can be seen in his renditions of dancers, racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are notable for their psychological complexity and for their portrayal of human isolation.