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Achille De Gas in the Uniform of a Cadet by Degas, Edgar

Degas, Edgar · 1856/1857

Before his iconic ballet dancers, Edgar Degas painted "Achille De Gas in the Uniform of a Cadet" in 1856/1857. This oil on canvas portrait, housed at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., showcases his early commitment to realism.

Look closely at the meticulous rendering of Achille's uniform, from the gleaming brass buttons to the intricate braiding on his shoulder. These details highlight Degas' superb draftsmanship, a skill he developed through rigorous academic training.

Though later associated with Impressionism, Degas consistently identified as a realist. This early work reveals his foundational approach to portraiture and his ability to capture the psychological complexity of his subjects, even in a formal family portrait.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the early career of an artist who would become one of the most influential figures in modern art.

Details

Long before dancers, he painted his brother Achille.
Long before dancers, he painted his brother Achille.
Achille was about 12, here in his cadet uniform.
Achille was about 12, here in his cadet uniform.
Degas considered himself a realist, not an Impressionist.
Degas considered himself a realist, not an Impressionist.
Notice the meticulous details, like these brass buttons.
Notice the meticulous details, like these brass buttons.
Transcript

This is Edgar Degas, but not the Degas you know. Long before dancers, he painted his brother Achille. Achille was about 12, here in his cadet uniform. Degas considered himself a realist, not an Impressionist. Notice the meticulous details, like these brass buttons. His early training shows in the precise draftsmanship. Capturing a family moment, with surprising psychological depth.