Alphonse Hirsch

1875

Edgar Degas

Associated Names
Edgar Degas

Artist, French, 1834 - 1917

The image depicts an etching plate with a faint outline of a man's head and partial bust, primarily focusing on his facial features. The figure appears to be oriented slightly to the left, as if turning slightly in profile. Facial features such as the outline of a nose, mouth, and a detailed mustache and beard can be discerned through a series of etching marks and scratches. The man's hair appears to be short with defined lines suggesting a combed back style. The clothing suggested by the more densely etched area provides the hint of a collared shirt or jacket, though details are sparse. The overall setting is a plain copper plate surface with no additional background details beyond the etched figure itself.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    drypoint and aquatinted copper plate

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 11.3 × 6.1 × 0.1 cm (4 7/16 × 2 3/8 × 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1963.11.89

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Reed/Shapiro 1984, no. 21


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gérald Cramer, Geneva; purchased 1959 by Lessing J. Rosenwald; gift to NGA, 1963.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1964

  • Etchings by Edgar Degas, The University of Chicago, 1964, no. 17.

2022

  • An Italian Impressionist in Paris: Giuseppe de Nittis, The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, 2022-2023, no repro.

Bibliography

1906

  • Delteil, Loys. Le peintre-graveur illustre. 31 vols. Paris: Published by the author, 1906-1926. Reprint. New York: Collectors Editions, Da Capo Press, 1969. Vol. 30 (Albert Besnard) is by Louis Godefroy.

1984

  • Reed, Sue Welsh, and Barbara Stern Shapiro. Edgar Degas: The Painter as Printmaker. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1984: no. 21.

2022

  • Miracco, Renato, editor.An Italian Impressionist in Paris: Giuseppe De Nittis. Exh. cat. the Phillips Collection, Washington, 2022-2023.

Wikidata ID

Q63570889

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