Edgar Degas, Scène biblique (Biblical Scene)
TITLE:  Scène biblique (Biblical Scene)
ARTIST:  Edgar Degas
CATEGORY:  Works on Paper (Drawings, Watercolors etc.)
MATERIALS:  Pen and brown ink Degas drawing on cream wove paper
EDITION/SET OF:  EDITION: Unique original Degas drawing
MARKINGS:  SIGNATURE: Featuring ink stamp: 'NEPVEU | DEGAS' in black ink, lower right, detailing piece as coming from the collection of Jean Nepveu-Degas, who inherited the work from his parents, Odette de Gas (niece of Edgar Degas) and her husband, Roland Nepveu of Paris
SIZE:  IMAGE SIZE: 12 1/4 in x 7 3/4 in (31.3 cm x 20 cm)
SHEET SIZE: 12 1/4 in x 7 3/4 in (31.3 cm x 20 cm)
FRAMED SIZE: 34 3/4 in x 30 3/4 in (88.3 cm x 78.1 cm)
REGION:  French
PRICE*:  55,000 US$

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GALLERY:  Masterworks Fine Art Gallery  (510) 777-9970  Send Email
DESCRIPTION:  DISCUSSION:
This fascinating glimpse into Edgar Degas’s creative process reveals a meticulous study of figural forms and an experi mentation with composition. This appears to be a rough sketch for a possible future work; Degas has visualized his thought process in an elegant and effortless biblical scene. He plays with variants of drapery and architectural schemes, using light and shading to balance with horizon lines and perspective. Not only is it a sketch of the larger composition, but also a study of the organic movements and gestural qualities of each of the subjects in this work. The use of brown ink against a crème-colored wove paper gives it a more personal, earthy quality evoking a deeper connection with the artist and his creative process.

According to Dr. Theodore Reff (Columbia University), this figural study is reminiscent of the fine pen strokes and sketched style in brown ink that Degas utilized in many of his sketchbooks during his first trip to Rome. Dr. Reff has further attributed this work to Edgar Degas in a signed statement that will be included with the sale of this piece. The work also includes a label from Shepherd Gallery, NY detailing artist/piece information and exhibition history.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Framed in a robust, Baroque-inspired gold moulding with a b ronze finish, the wide-set and organic carving of the framing detail serves to complement Degas’s composition and grandeur of the piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, Scène Biblique is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.

PROVENANCE:  René de Gas, Paris
Odette de Gas & Roland Nepveu, Paris
Jean Nepveu-Degas, Paris
Shepherd Gallery, New York
ONLINE CATALOGUE(S):  Masterworks Fine Art Gallery Inventory Catalogue
LITERATURE:  ILLUSTRATED IN:
1) Reff, Dr. Theodore. Statement of expertise which attributes this work to the hand of Edgar Degas. Signed and dated, 25 September 2008.
2) A Masterworks Fine Art, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.
EXHIBITION HISTORY:  Drawings, Paintings and Sculpture of the 19th Century – Winter Exhibition 1981, Shepherd Gallery, NY.
 
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