The Artist's Cousin, Probably Mrs. William Bell (Mathilde Musson, 1841–1878)

early 1870s

Meets Durand-Ruel

Degas met the dealer Durand-Ruel, later the most prominent of the trusted dealers with whom he planned his strategy at auctions.

1870s

From “de Gas” back to plain “Degas”

The archives disproved the legend of an ancient noble line: the artist's paternal ancestors were bakers, and the name “de Gas” was invented by his father, who commissioned a false genealogy. In the 1870s Edgar returned to the plain spelling, Degas.

October 1872 – March 1873 · Residence

New Orleans

1873–1874

His brother's debts: he sells his house and collection

After his father's death Degas learned that his brother René had run up enormous business debts. To save the family's reputation he sold his house and an inherited art collection and for the first time in his life depended on sales of his own work.

1874

The first Impressionist exhibition

Disenchanted with the Salon, Degas joined a group of young artists organizing an independent exhibiting society. He took a leading role in organizing the eight shows of 1874–1886 and exhibited in all but one, despite constant conflicts with the group.

13 February 1874

Goncourt notes Degas's laundresses and dancers

Edmond de Goncourt wrote in his diary that Degas had chosen laundresses and dancers as his chief modern subjects, finding in their fabrics an occasion for light and delicate tones. After visiting the studio he called Degas the man who best caught the soul of modern life.