Mountain Landscape c. 1890 - 1893

Edgar Degas created this ambiguous landscape, in France, using monotype printing techniques. This piece reflects a move away from the Salon-approved landscapes of the French academy. Degas, known for his pastels of dancers, here experiments with a new vision of nature. He seems to challenge the conventional hierarchy of genres. At the time, landscape painting was considered less important than historical or figurative painting. We might ask if Degas is deliberately questioning these art world institutions. The image creates meaning through its lack of detail, and reference to Japanese prints. Those prints were very popular at the time, and yet, it is still difficult to locate Degas' image within a precise cultural or historical movement. The role of the historian is to locate and interpret works like this. We might look to archival materials to understand better the network of artists and collectors surrounding Degas. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context, and this is what makes it so fascinating.