Portrait De M. Duranty is a painting by Edgar Degas completed in 1879, using gouache and pastel on linen. It depicts Edmond Duranty, an art critic and novelist, and model Emma Dobigny in what appears to be a small bank or office. Duranty promoted the idea that portraits should reflect moral reflections on physical appearance and environment, an idea that is reflected in the painting.
Degas and Duranty were good friends and part of the Impressionist movement. In addition to this painting, Degas painted portraits of Duranty’s wife. Duranty supported both the realist and impressionist art movements. The painting is held in the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, Scotland, and is a prime example of Degas’ skills as a portraitist.
Overall, Portrait De M. Duranty represents the relationship between Degas and Duranty, as well as the ideals they shared about portraiture. The painting captures Duranty’s personality, as well as his belief in the importance of physical appearance and environment in portraits. It also serves as a reflection of the Impressionist movement and the art of the time.
