WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition, held in Paris in 1874, the Clark Art Institute presents "Edgar Degas: Multi-Media Artist in the Age of Impressionism." 

 

The exhibition is on view in the Eugene V. Thaw Gallery for Works on Paper in the Clark's Manton Research Center from July 13 through October 6, 2024.

 

According to a press release:

 

The exhibition highlights the innovative and experimental practices of Edgar Degas in the realm of works on paper. In his pastels, drawings, photographs, and prints, Degas was relentless in exploring unusual media and processes. A range of works from the Clark's permanent collection and other select loans from public and private collections offer a “behind-the-scenes" look at Degas's innovative methods, materials, and supports. 

 

Edgar Degas (1834–1917), described by a close friend as "an artisan passionate about all the means of his art," worked throughout his career with an unusually wide array of media and processes. A close examination of his art-making reveals what one critic called Degas's "restless searches for new procedures." He emerges as one of the most technically innovative artists of his time through his experimentation with varied printmaking techniques, his distinctive treatment of pastel, and his frequent combinations of multiple media. 

 

"The Clark is very fortunate to have deep holdings of works by Edgar Degas in our collection and it provides us with an exceptional opportunity to look at the artist anew by studying the many mediums in which he worked and by exploring his strong interest in testing new techniques and methods in artmaking. Our guest curator Michelle Foa worked closely with Anne Leonard, our Manton Curator for Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, and together, they have created an exhibition that encourages us to consider the artist through a fascinating lens," said Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark.