The name “Edgar Degas” brings to mind paintings of pastel ballerinas in motion, playful light on canvas, and dreamlike sequences on the stage. But even though his works are instantly recognizable, little is widely known about this enigmatic artist’s life and personality. Now is your chance to get a glimpse into the artist’s inner world with the Lightner Museum’s newly-opened exhibition – Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist - Works on Paper by the Artist and His Circle. Featuring over fifty original works by Degas, the Lightner Museum offers unique insights into Degas’ life and the opportunity to see rarely exhibited works from the private collection of curator Robert Flynn Johnson.
Johnson’s collection of drawings, prints, photographs, monotypes, and sculpture includes three unique self portraits of the artist himself as well as Degas portraits of family members and fellow artists like Mary Cassatt and Édouard Manet (just to name a few). Included are works on paper by Cassatt and Manet along with etchings and prints by many other famous members of Degas’ artistic circle. Works by Jean Leon Gerome, Honore Daumier, Pierre Puvis de Chavanne, Jean Everett Millais, JeanAuguste Dominique Ingres, Alfred Stevens, Camille Pissarro, Gustave Moreau, Paul Cézanne and Eadweard Muybridge offer a fascinating look at the artist’s life and times. Explore a collection of beautifully colored monotype prints commissioned by Degas’ art dealer Ambroise Vollard, never before shown alongside Degas’ work.
“Through his art, his words, and the circle of his friends and colleagues
represented in the exhibition,” says Johnson, “the private persona of this elusive artist may emerge.”
Though the incredible works of this breathtaking exhibit could stand on their own, the Lightner Museum will be offering a number of exciting events in conjunction with the exhibition. From lectures and afternoon tea to forums and tours, here are the Degas programs that you just can’t miss.
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Lightner After Hours – Gilded Age meets Belle Epoch
May 30, 6-8pm
This month the Lightner celebrates Edgar Degas’ visit to New Orleans in 1873 with a zydeco band and cajun faire. Attendees to this month’s free social event may enter at the Granada Street entrance (with the blue and white awnings, located across from the Corazon Cinema). Visitors wishing to view the Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist exhibition during the free Lightner After Hours event may purchase a $5 admission ticket in the museum gift shop that evening.
Curator’s Tour – Touring Degas
June 5, 10am
Lightner Museum curator Barry Myers will provide an exclusive last look of the limited-engagement showing of Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist. This final walk through our exclusive Degas exhibition is free for museum members or $5 above the price of museum admission.
Lightner Learning Lab: Degas, Prints and I
June 9, 10am & 2pm
Children aged 5–14 are invited to tour and learn about the different types of prints on view in the Museum’s collection and in the Degas exhibition. Lightner museum educators will provide a richer understanding of the types of printmaking while encouraging young visitors to truly look and appreciate why artists choose to work in their selected print media.
Viewfinder: Edgar Degas’ Photographic Vision
June 12, 6-7:30pm
Join Flagler College art history professor Chris Balaschak for a talk exploring the impact of photography on the Impressionists. As evidenced in our current exhibition Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist, Degas’ regularly took and explored the possibilities offered by this new technology. Professor Balaschak will discuss how Degas used of photography and its influence on his artwork.Tickets are $10 ($5 for museum members). Reservations are required.
For event reservations and more information about Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist – Works on Paper by the Artist and His Circle, visit www.lightnermuseum.org/edgar-degas-events.
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