Chapter 20, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World History, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 20: Mass Society and Democracy, 1870–1914
"Degas"

Introduction
Social trends in mid-nineteenth-century France are readily apparent in the works of many of the Impressionist artists. The work of Edgar Degas is a good example. In this activity you will learn about Impressionism and about Degas's contribution to a new style in painting and sculpture.

Destination Title: Degas: Social and Historical Context

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Directions

Start at the Degas: Social and Historical Context Web site.

Read about the social and historical context of Degas's career. Take notes as you browse through the article.
Read about Degas' "Life, Times, Artistic Style", and "Works of Art" by clicking on the links on the left.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. What term did Degas use for his style of painting, and why?

2. What was the Salon? What was Degas's response to it?

3. What were some of the characteristics of Impressionist painting that were criticized in the media?

4. How did French politics affect Degas's life?

5. Click on Works of Art and review Degas's paintings. For each of the six paintings shown, answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. (You can click on each painting for an enlarged view.) What is the setting of the painting? What impression does the painting give of life in nineteenth-century France? What social class is Degas depicting in the painting? Why do you think he is focusing on this social class? What educated guesses can we make about French society based on the content of Degas's paintings? Name one Impressionist quality that is apparent in the painting.