Edgar Degas, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, is renowned for his masterful portrayal of dancers, racehorses, and Parisian life. Here are some of his most notable works and the influence they had on art:

Notable Works

1. The Ballet Class (1874)

   • Description: One of Degas' most famous paintings, this artwork captures the liveliness of a dance class. It is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée d'Orsay.
   • Influence: This piece is praised for its innovative composition and use of light, influencing future artists in exploring movement and realism.

   

2. The Star (1878)

   • Description: A pastel depiction of a dancer caught mid-performance, highlighting Degas' interest in capturing the essence of performers.
   • Influence: Introduced a novel perspective by showing dance from side-stage, influencing how dynamics and movement were portrayed in art.

3. L'Absinthe (1876)

   • Description: This painting represents the alienation in modern life, showing people in a café seemingly isolated.
   • Influence: It showcased a realistic, sometimes critical view of Parisian society and was pivotal for social realism in art.

   

4. Blue Dancers (1890)

   • Description: Known for its vivid use of color and dynamic composition, this painting captures ballerinas in motion.
   • Influence: The use of bright colors and motion influenced the development of expressionism and modern color theory.

5. Jockeys in the Rain (1886)

   • Description: A piece capturing the intense movement and exciting nature of horse races.
   • Influence: Demonstrated his ability to capture movement and excitement, impacting the portrayal of sports in art.

Influence on Art

• Perspective and Composition: Degas was a pioneer in the use of unconventional viewpoints and asymmetrical compositions, which became important in modern art movements.
• Realism and Dynamism: His dynamic portrayal of movement and use of natural postures and settings influenced impressionists and later, photographers and film-makers.
• Focus on Modern Life: Degas chronicled the subtleties of modern urban life, pushing boundaries by exploring social realities and personal introspection within art.

Edgar Degas' work not only helped define the Impressionist movement but also paved the way for subsequent styles like Post-Impressionism and Modernism.

For more detailed insights and images, you can explore Invaluable's Degas Collection and Google Arts & Culture's Degas Works.