L’Absinthe by Edgar Degas (Paris, France — 1876)

An illustrated arts story from Wonder Arts — free to read, with narration.

L’Absinthe by Edgar Degas (Paris, France — 1876) — an illustrated arts story, set in France. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Arts.

L’Absinthe by Edgar Degas (Paris, France — 1876) — book cover — Wonder Arts
L’Absinthe by Edgar Degas (Paris, France — 1876) — an illustrated arts story, set in France. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Arts.

Page 1

Edgar Degas, the master of Impressionism, stands before his controversial masterpiece, 'L'Absinthe.' Painted in 1876, this seemingly simple scene of Parisian…
Edgar Degas, the master of Impressionism, stands before his controversial masterpiece, 'L'Absinthe.' Painted in 1876, this seemingly simple scene of Parisian life sparked fierce debate. Measuring 92 cm x 68 cm, the painting, now at the Musée d'Orsay, captures a moment of alienation that continues to resonate, its value estimated at over 40 million. But what story lies behind these figures?

Edgar Degas, the master of Impressionism, stands before his controversial masterpiece, 'L'Absinthe.' Painted in 1876, this seemingly simple scene of Parisian life sparked fierce debate. Measuring 92 cm x 68 cm, the painting, now at the Musée d'Orsay, captures a moment of alienation that continues to resonate, its value estimated at over 40 million. But what story lies behind these figures?

""They say art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable," Degas murmurs to himself, adjusting his cravat. "Perhaps I've succeeded.""

Art Fact: L'Absinthe: Painted in 1876, this piece stirred controversy for its depiction of social alienation. It features actress Ellen Andrée and artist Marcellin Desboutin.

Page 2

Young Edgar, not yet the celebrated Degas, roams the bustling streets of Montmartre. He clutches a sketchbook, his charcoal scratching furiously as he captures…
Young Edgar, not yet the celebrated Degas, roams the bustling streets of Montmartre. He clutches a sketchbook, his charcoal scratching furiously as he captures the essence of Parisian life. The energy of the city—its people, its movements—fills his early drawings. He seeks to understand the geometry and humanity that will later define his signature style.

Young Edgar, not yet the celebrated Degas, roams the bustling streets of Montmartre. He clutches a sketchbook, his charcoal scratching furiously as he captures the essence of Parisian life. The energy of the city—its people, its movements—fills his early drawings. He seeks to understand the geometry and humanity that will later define his signature style.

""Remember, Edgar," his mentor, Louis Lamothe, says, peering over his shoulder, "David said, 'To see is to know; to know is to judge; to judge is to choose; to choose is, in short, to create.' Capture the truth, not just the appearance.""

Art Fact: Montmartre: This vibrant district in Paris, known for its artistic community, heavily influenced Degas' early work.

Page 3

Degas spots Ellen Andrée, a rising actress, at a local café. Her unique beauty, combined with a palpable sadness, intrigues him.
Degas spots Ellen Andrée, a rising actress, at a local café. Her unique beauty, combined with a palpable sadness, intrigues him. He asks her to model, sensing she embodies the isolation he wishes to capture in his art. Her gaze, both piercing and distant, becomes the focal point of 'L'Absinthe'. ""Mademoiselle Andrée, your presence possesses a certain... gravity," Degas remarks, sketching her likeness.

Degas spots Ellen Andrée, a rising actress, at a local café. Her unique beauty, combined with a palpable sadness, intrigues him. He asks her to model, sensing she embodies the isolation he wishes to capture in his art. Her gaze, both piercing and distant, becomes the focal point of 'L'Absinthe'.

""Mademoiselle Andrée, your presence possesses a certain... gravity," Degas remarks, sketching her likeness. "Could you allow me to capture it?""

Art Fact: Ellen Andrée: A French actress who modeled for several Impressionist painters, including Degas and Renoir.

Page 4

Degas enlists Marcellin Desboutin, a fellow artist known for his brooding temperament, to pose as the male figure in 'L'Absinthe'.
Degas enlists Marcellin Desboutin, a fellow artist known for his brooding temperament, to pose as the male figure in 'L'Absinthe'. Their contrasting personalities create a palpable tension on canvas, mirroring the societal anxieties of the time. Desboutin's presence adds a layer of complexity, challenging viewers to question the nature of companionship and isolation. ""Edgar, are you sure you want me for this?" Desboutin asks, swirling the absinthe in his glass.

Degas enlists Marcellin Desboutin, a fellow artist known for his brooding temperament, to pose as the male figure in 'L'Absinthe'. Their contrasting personalities create a palpable tension on canvas, mirroring the societal anxieties of the time. Desboutin's presence adds a layer of complexity, challenging viewers to question the nature of companionship and isolation.

""Edgar, are you sure you want me for this?" Desboutin asks, swirling the absinthe in his glass. "Nietzsche said, 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger.' But sometimes, Edgar, it just leaves you tired.""

Art Fact: Marcellin Desboutin: A French painter and printmaker, known for his bohemian lifestyle and portraits.

Page 5

Degas frequents the Café Guerbois, the heart of the Impressionist movement. Debates rage over art, society, and the changing face of Paris.
Degas frequents the Café Guerbois, the heart of the Impressionist movement. Debates rage over art, society, and the changing face of Paris. These discussions shape his artistic vision, pushing him to capture the raw, unfiltered truth of modern life, even if it means challenging societal norms. ""Edgar, are you truly going to show such a desolate scene?" Renoir asks, leaning forward.

Degas frequents the Café Guerbois, the heart of the Impressionist movement. Debates rage over art, society, and the changing face of Paris. These discussions shape his artistic vision, pushing him to capture the raw, unfiltered truth of modern life, even if it means challenging societal norms.

""Edgar, are you truly going to show such a desolate scene?" Renoir asks, leaning forward. "The public wants beauty, not despair!" Degas retorts, "Zola once wrote that, 'The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.' I am only showing what is.""

Art Fact: Café Guerbois: A famous gathering place for Impressionist artists in Paris, fostering innovation and debate.

Page 6

'L'Absinthe' is exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery in London, stirring a storm of controversy. Critics condemn its subject matter, deeming it vulgar and…
'L'Absinthe' is exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery in London, stirring a storm of controversy. Critics condemn its subject matter, deeming it vulgar and offensive. The painting is seen as a reflection of societal decay, forcing Degas to confront the public's discomfort with his unflinching portrayal of modern life. ""This... this is not art!" a critic exclaims, pointing a disapproving finger at the painting.

'L'Absinthe' is exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery in London, stirring a storm of controversy. Critics condemn its subject matter, deeming it vulgar and offensive. The painting is seen as a reflection of societal decay, forcing Degas to confront the public's discomfort with his unflinching portrayal of modern life.

""This... this is not art!" a critic exclaims, pointing a disapproving finger at the painting. "It is a stain on society!""

Art Fact: Grosvenor Gallery: A London art gallery known for showcasing avant-garde works, often met with mixed reception.

Page 7

Despite the criticism, Degas stands by his work. He believes art should reflect the realities of the world, even the uncomfortable ones.
Despite the criticism, Degas stands by his work. He believes art should reflect the realities of the world, even the uncomfortable ones. He finds support from fellow artists and writers who champion his honesty and courage. He learns that true art often provokes and challenges. ""You must not bow to their narrow views, Edgar," Émile Zola insists, clapping him on the shoulder.

Despite the criticism, Degas stands by his work. He believes art should reflect the realities of the world, even the uncomfortable ones. He finds support from fellow artists and writers who champion his honesty and courage. He learns that true art often provokes and challenges.

""You must not bow to their narrow views, Edgar," Émile Zola insists, clapping him on the shoulder. "Balzac said that 'The future of art is in the hands of business.' Do not let them control you!""

Art Fact: Émile Zola: A renowned French novelist and art critic, a staunch supporter of Impressionism.

Page 8

Degas refines his technique, focusing on capturing fleeting moments with precise observation. He studies the human form in motion, seeking to understand the…
Degas refines his technique, focusing on capturing fleeting moments with precise observation. He studies the human form in motion, seeking to understand the underlying structure beneath the surface. His dedication to truth and authenticity elevates his art beyond mere representation. ""It is not enough to simply see," Degas instructs a young artist, sketching rapidly. "You must observe.

Degas refines his technique, focusing on capturing fleeting moments with precise observation. He studies the human form in motion, seeking to understand the underlying structure beneath the surface. His dedication to truth and authenticity elevates his art beyond mere representation.

""It is not enough to simply see," Degas instructs a young artist, sketching rapidly. "You must observe. Only then can you truly capture the essence of life.""

Art Fact: Fleeting Moments: Degas was known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday moments with incredible precision.

Page 9

Decades later, 'L'Absinthe' finds its place in the Musée d'Orsay, a testament to Degas's enduring vision. The painting continues to provoke and challenge…
Decades later, 'L'Absinthe' finds its place in the Musée d'Orsay, a testament to Degas's enduring vision. The painting continues to provoke and challenge, sparking conversations about art, society, and the human condition. Its impact transcends its initial controversy, solidifying Degas's legacy as a master of Impressionism. ""Look," a young woman whispers to her companion, gazing at the painting.

Decades later, 'L'Absinthe' finds its place in the Musée d'Orsay, a testament to Degas's enduring vision. The painting continues to provoke and challenge, sparking conversations about art, society, and the human condition. Its impact transcends its initial controversy, solidifying Degas's legacy as a master of Impressionism.

""Look," a young woman whispers to her companion, gazing at the painting. "It is like looking into a soul.""

Art Fact: Musée d'Orsay: The permanent home of 'L'Absinthe', attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe.

Page 10

Degas's spirit lives on, an echo in the strokes of countless artists inspired by his unflinching gaze. His legacy is not just in the paintings he created, but…
Degas's spirit lives on, an echo in the strokes of countless artists inspired by his unflinching gaze. His legacy is not just in the paintings he created, but in the way he taught us to see the world. Because even though life is short, art endures. "Degas's ghost whispers, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."" Art Fact: The Enduring Power: Degas' work continues to inspire and challenge, a testament to his unflinching vision and artistic genius.

Degas's spirit lives on, an echo in the strokes of countless artists inspired by his unflinching gaze. His legacy is not just in the paintings he created, but in the way he taught us to see the world. Because even though life is short, art endures.

"Degas's ghost whispers, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.""

Art Fact: The Enduring Power: Degas' work continues to inspire and challenge, a testament to his unflinching vision and artistic genius.

About this story

  • Location: France
  • Audience: general readers

Questions and answers

Questions and answers about L’Absinthe by Edgar Degas (Paris, France — 1876)

Read Wonder Arts on your phone

Wonder Arts is available on Android. Get Wonder Arts on Google Play.

More Wonder Arts stories

All Wonder Arts stories · Open the library