Description
The painting "The Sufferings of the City of New Orleans" by Edgar Degas is a work that attracts attention for its artistic style and composition. The 81 x 147 cm piece shows a dramatic scene of the city of New Orleans during a flood.
Degas' artistic style is characterized by his impressionist technique, which is reflected in the way he uses color and light to create a dramatic and emotional atmosphere. The work presents a dark and gloomy color palette, which conveys the sadness and pain that was experienced in the city during the flood.
The composition of the painting is another interesting aspect. Degas uses a diagonal perspective to show the flooded city, which creates a sense of movement and chaos. In addition, the central figure of the work is a woman holding a child in her arms, which emphasizes the human tragedy that took place in the city.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Degas created this work in 1873, after New Orleans was devastated by a flood that left thousands homeless and without food. The painting was exhibited at that year's Paris Salon, where it received mixed reviews due to its controversial subject matter and innovative style.
Finally, one of the lesser known aspects of the work is that Degas did not visit New Orleans in person to paint it. Instead, he relied on photographs and eyewitness accounts to create a vivid picture of the tragedy that befell the city.
In short, "The Sufferings of the City of New Orleans" is a fascinating work that stands out for its artistic style, its composition, its color, and its history. The painting is a sample of the talent and sensitivity of Edgar Degas, who managed to capture the human tragedy in a moving and emotional way.