Thérèse de Gas, Sister of the artist by Degas

Representing an admirable example of an intimate and realistic portrait, this early work painted by Degas Edgar stands under the title of “Thérèse de Gas, Sister of the artist” in his career. This painting bears witness to his rigorous classical training and his deep attention to human psychology. The artist immortalizes his model here with quiet dignity and without worldly artifice, already affirming his desire to renew the art of bourgeois portraiture.

The female figure stands in the center-left of the composition, turned three-quarters to the left while staring at the spectator with a pensively calm gaze. She wears a voluminous light grey dress covered by a heavy black coat bordered with fine dark lace on her shoulders and arms. Around her neck is tied a large pale pink silk ribbon which descends on her bust in an elegant bow. In the background on the left, the wall is a solid olive green, while on the right, the frame of a brick-red door opens onto a window revealing an ocher urban landscape.

This canvas highlights the exceptional traditional craftsmanship of the painter, who excels in the rendering of materials. The artist uses a smooth touch and subtle oil glazes to model the softness of the complexion and the richness of the silky fabric textures. The rigor of his drawing and his psychological sensitivity consecrate his early genius.