“The Billiard Room at Menil-Hubert” is an artwork by Edgar Degas, completed in 1892. This oil on canvas piece is part of the Impressionism art movement and falls within the genre of interior painting. The artwork is housed at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, located in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork presents a serene and intimate glimpse into a private space, characterized by the rich detail with which Edgar Degas has captured the billiard room. The central focus of the composition is a billiard table, which anchors the scene with its solid, warm wood tones and green surface. Around it, various elements of the room are depicted with a soft blend of colors that are characteristic of Impressionist works, giving a sense of atmosphere and moment.
Walls adorned with framed artworks create a gallery-like environment, suggesting the cultural interests of the inhabitants. The use of light and shadow, as well as the loose brushstrokes, offer a dynamism that belies the stillness of the scene. The floor is carpeted with a pattern that imparts a plush visual texture, and there is an observation of perspective that draws the viewer’s eye into the depth of the room, enhancing the sense of being present in the depicted space.
Overall, the painting captures a moment in time with a relaxed elegance and attention to the play of light and textures, demonstrating Degas’ mastery in rendering interior spaces and his contribution to the Impressionist genre.