Wednesday, April 9, 2014

H is for "Portrait of Hilaire de Gas." by Degas 1857

This portrait of Degas's grandfather is so elegant, yet tender in the way that Degas painted his head.  Notice the sparse hair with the skin showing through, almost like a photograph.  And the painting of the hands deserve a second look.  He died in 1858 at the age of 88, a year after this portrait was painted.  

Hilaire de Gas, born in Orleans, France in 1770, fled to Italy from France during the French Revolution.  His family was in banking, but he also, along with other family members, had other business interests which accounted for the family's moderate wealth.  

There is an American connection.  Although Degas's father, Hilaire's son, was born in Italy, his mother was born in New Orleans.  She unfortunately died when Degas  was 12.  Both parents traveled back and forth between Italy, Paris, and New Orleans, where the males of the family were involved with various businesses, but both of them, grandfather and father,  had a major influence on Degas's life.

One line from Wikipedia says that Degas's portraits had "psychological complexity with their portrayal of human isolation."

Seeing this portrait, putting yourself in Degas's place, all his memories of his grandfather had to have been poured into the canvas.




11 comments:

  1. Great portrait. I really never knew much about Degas before your blog. Ballet scenes was it.

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    1. He did quite a few nudes, but shall I show one or not?

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  2. i love the details in his hands, that's something i tend to look at closely when i see new people. i think they show a lot of personality.

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  3. They do. Age shows as well (sigh).

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    1. Seriousness reflects his social status and importance, I think. You would not paint him smiling.

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  5. Such elegance and poise. The sadness in his face in universal, not dependent on class or rank.

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  6. Can you imagine the thoughts that go through your head when you pose for an artist?

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  7. Hi Natalie .. I do think this is, as you say, an exceptional painting .. painted with love and reverence - and incredible he was 87 here .. good looking man. I spotted his hands as I glanced earlier at the painting, while commenting on the laundry workers ...

    Frankly - he could be an actor dressed up in 2014 for a part in Downton Abbey or equivalent British period programme ... stunning work ...

    Cheers Hilary

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  8. Such a relaxed elegance, the clothes he wears are perfect (thanks to those women who iron them).

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    1. Should have written in the past tense, "thanks to those women who ironed them."

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