Scene of War in the Middle Ages
- Original dimensions
- 148.5 x 83.5 cm
- Museum
- Orsay Museum
- Year
- 1865
Historical context
This painting , completed in 1865 in Paris, at the very heart of France, echoes an artistic movement emblematic of the time: Impressionism . In a climate of explosive creativity, Edgar Degas , a maestro of light, captures here a scene of war vibrant with emotions and colors. Currently exhibited at the Orsay Museum , this masterful work evokes the turmoil and excitement of an era marked by conflict.
Place in the artist's career
Scene of War in the Middle Ages is a significant milestone in the career of Edgar Degas . This painting shows a future promise for an artist on the rise, while allowing connections to be made with his famous painting “The Dancer” and “The Ballet” where the representation of movement is highlighted, but this time in a more serene and contemplative context.
Anecdote
Edgar Degas once said: “Art is a lie that helps us understand the truth.” In painting this immersive canvas , the artist draws his inspiration from his love for human movement, his fleeting capture of battles that touch not only the battlefield but also the soul. Imagine him, on a sunny morning, his brushes gliding over the canvas, while the echoes of war drums resonate in his mind.
Major exhibitions
Salon of 1865