The artwork titled “Edmond Duranty” was created by Edgar Degas in 1879 and is a representation of the Impressionist art movement. Utilizing mediums of gouache, pastel, and canvas, Degas crafted this portrait with dimensions of 100 x 100 cm. The piece is part of the portrait genre and is currently held in the Burrell Collection located in Glasgow, UK.
In this particular artwork, one observes a man seated at a desk filled with papers and books, suggesting an atmosphere of intellectual endeavor. The figure is depicted with a focused and perhaps contemplative expression, his face resting on his hand while he gazes toward the viewer. He is surrounded by an array of colorful book spines in a bookcase that fill the background, adding to the learned ambiance of the scene. The meticulous detail in rendering the man’s facial features and the soft, diffuse light common to Impressionism contribute to the painting’s intimate and evocative quality. Degas’ technique and choice of vibrant colors reflect the impressionistic tendency to capture moments of modern life with a sense of immediacy and movement, even within the confines of a serene indoor setting.