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Three Studies of Ludovic Halévy Standing

Edgar Degas

1880

charcoal

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Three Studies of Ludovic Halévy Standing is a 1880 charcoal by Edgar Degas, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Edgar Degas
When & what style?: 1880 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three men walking away from us, all wearing long coats and hats. Their backs are turned, and the lines are loose and quick, like a fast sketch. The paper is light, and the charcoal leaves some rough, uneven marks. The artist focused on how the coats and hats fold, not on details like faces. The drawing feels like a quick study—maybe just practice or a note for a bigger work. Next, check out scumbling to see how artists use chalky strokes like these.

About the artist

Artist

Edgar Degas

Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.

See the richer artist page