Portrait of Edgar Degas, wearing a hat 1876

Editor: So this is Marcellin Desboutin's "Portrait of Edgar Degas, wearing a hat," a pencil drawing from 1876. There's something so casual about it, almost like a quick sketch capturing a fleeting moment. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating interplay between artistic circles and self-representation in late 19th-century Paris. Consider that Desboutin himself was a painter and printmaker, deeply embedded within the Impressionist movement along with Degas. Editor: Ah, so it's not just a portrait, it’s a document of that artistic community? Curator: Exactly! Think about the social dynamics, the constant exchange of ideas within the group. This image exists not in isolation but within the web of artistic production and patronage. How do you think this relationship might have influenced the work? Editor: Maybe the relaxed pose reflects their camaraderie. Would Desboutin portray Degas so informally if they weren't on familiar terms? Also, it feels almost like a study in capturing likeness and personality, devoid of the usual portrait conventions. Curator: Precisely. The informality subverts the traditional role of portraiture, pushing towards capturing a genuine human presence. It speaks to Impressionism’s broader project of representing modern life authentically. Now, how do we understand the public role this portrait then plays? Editor: I suppose by appearing in the Met, it elevates this candid image to a valuable historical document, showcasing a great artist behind the scenes! Thanks, I never would have picked up on all that social and historical context on my own! Curator: And hopefully, considering that wider frame allows a richer understanding of its presence in the museum today!