Rating and value of works, paintings, sculptures by Edgar Degas

If you own a work by or about the artist Edgar Degas and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of the artist Edgar Degas   

Considered one of the most classic contemporary artists of the 20th century, Edgar Degas left behind an artistic identity of his own. This legacy consists mainly of oils on canvas. Today, prices for his works are rising under the auctioneer's hammer, and his stock is on the rise. His canvases and other works are particularly prized, especially by French buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €10 to €119,669,400 - a considerable delta, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Degas' works. In 2022, a bronze sculpture entitled Petite danseuse de 14 ans, dating from 1880, sold for €34,709,580.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious 

Style and technique of the artist Edgar Degas 

Edgar Degas was part of the Impressionist and Naturalist movements. He worked in drawing, oil on canvas and sculpture. Throughout his career, his obsessive inspiration was opera dancers, whom he represented in all formats.

The life of Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was a French painter and sculptor considered one of the leading exponents of Impressionism, although he often preferred to be identified as a realist or independent. Born in Paris, he came from a wealthy, cultured family. His father wanted him to study law, as did Paul Cézanne, but Degas soon showed an exceptional interest and talent for the visual arts.

Degas studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he developed solid technical skills in drawing and painting. He was influenced by the great masters of the Italian Renaissance, as well as the contemporary artists of his time. He made friends with other artists such as Édouard Manet, Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt.

Unlike some of his Impressionist colleagues, Degas was drawn to more urban, modern subjects, such as scenes of Parisian life, ballet dancers, horse races and intimate portraits. His approach was marked by meticulous attention to detail, skilful use of light and a unique perspective that was often deliberately off-center.

His most famous works include paintings such as Les Repasseuses, L'Absinthe and Les Danseuses de Ballet, as well as sculptures such as La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans. Towards the end of his life, Degas gradually lost his sight and continued to create despite this difficulty, exploring alternatives such as wax sculpture. 

Degas' imprint on his era 

Edgar Degas was a complex artist, sometimes demanding and reserved, but deeply committed to his craft. His legacy lies in his contribution to the Impressionist movement, as well as in his ability to capture the effervescence of urban and modern life through unique perspectives and striking details.

Recognizing the artist's signature 

Degas often signs his works, usually at the bottom of the painting, in a color that contrasts with the background. Here's an example. Sculptures can also be signed. However, there are many copies, which is why expertise is important.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a work by or after Degas, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as ad hoc information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.