Edgar Degas (French, 1865–1917), Horse Walking, ca. 1865–81, red wax, 9 1/4 in. high. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 93.57.
- Type: Art Audio File
- Collection: European Art
- Culture/Region: Europe
- Subject Area: Visual Arts
- Grade Level: 9-12, College, Adult
In 1921, three years after Degas’s death, French art critic François Thiebault-Sisson recalled that Degas had once said about his sculptural work:
I modeled animals and people in wax for my own satisfaction, not to take a rest from painting or drawing, but to give more expression, more spirit, and more life to my paintings and drawings. They are exercises to get me started. My sculptures will never give that impression of completion that is the ultimate goal of the statue-maker’s trade and since, after all, no one will ever see these efforts, no one should think of speaking about them, not even you. After my death all that will fall apart by itself, and that will be better for my reputation.