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Karen Robinson with Hubby at ‘Degas – A New Vision’ – Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2016 – National Gallery of Victoria, Australia NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

INTRODUCTION

Just recently, my husband and I decided to become members of Melbourne’s – National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).  It was a reasonably small fee and membership would encourage us both, in the future, to take time out to view the many wonderful artworks of extraordinary living artists of today, and of those from the past as well.  Over recent years, I have come to understand that art for therapy isn’t just about producing works of art for one’s self, that much can be gained therapeutically, by viewing the works of art of others.  As a viewer of artwork, we are given an opportunity to step into the artist’s world which allows us to better understand their lives as artists, and as people.  We sometimes discover where their sources of inspirations are derived and this in turn allows us to appreciate their dedication to their craft, their workmanship; their mastery; and their pure genius!

Karen Robinson at the NGV Members Lounge enjoying a coffee and a read of the DEGAS – A NEW VISION Brochure for seeing the exhibition 2016 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

Hubby with Karen Robinson at Degas – A New Vision – Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2016 – National Gallery of Victoria, Australia NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

National Gallery of Victoria – Melbourne Australia Members Lounge – July 2016 Photo taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA – “DEGAS:  A NEW VISION”

So it was on one of Melbourne’s winter, rainy days that we decided to venture into the city to have a look at the National Gallery of Victoria’s – Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition featuring “DEGAS:  A NEW VISION“.

1 of 4 Hubby to the left outside of the National Gallery of Victoria with Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

2 of 4 National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Australia July 2016 for the Edgar Degas Exhibition with Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

4 of 4 Karen Robinson to the right outside of the National Gallery of Victoria with Hubby NB All images are protected by copyright laws

3 of 4 Hubby to the right outside of the National Gallery of Victoria with Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

There would have been literally 1000’s of people there at the exhibition during the time-frame we were in attendance ourselves; and due to being the school holidays there where many mums, dads, grandparents whom had taken on the brave task of bringing their children into see this amazing Edgar Degas Exhibition.  It was also pension’s day, so there was a sea of the elderly and that being us as well, making their way around very crowed gallery rooms.  It was clear from this show of people, that the viewing of art, and in particular an exhibition such as this “DEGAS:  A NEW VISION” was being appreciated by many generations of people, which in turn demonstrates, for me at least, that no matter our nationality, our age, our background, our fortune or misfortune, art seeks our attention and maintains our ongoing fascination which can improve our sense of well-being.

A SELECTION OF GALLERY SCENE PHOTOS I TOOK ON THE DAY!

Please click on the images below, which will take you to a slide show, where you can find details for most of the artworks.

8 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright The little fourteen-year old dancer 1879-81. cast 1922-37 bronze with cotton skirt and satin ribbon 99.0 x 35.2 x 24.5 cm Museu de arte de sao paulo, Assis Cateaubriand Donated by Alberto Jose Alve, Alberto Alves Filho and Alcino Ribeiro de Lima (NGV 2016)

19 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

14 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

6 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Dead fox in the undergrowth 1861-64 oil on canvas 92.0 x 73.0 cm – Edgar Degas – Musee des Beaux-Arts, Reunion des Musees Metropolitains, Rouen, Normandie (NGV 2016)

3 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Roman beggar woman 1857 oil on canvas 100.3 x 75.2cm Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Purchased, 1960 Lent by Birmingham Museums Trust on behalf of Birmingham City Council (NGV 2016)

9 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright The little fourteen-year old dancer 1879-81. cast 1922-37 bronze with cotton skirt and satin ribbon 99.0 x 35.2 x 24.5 cm Museu de arte de sao paulo, Assis Cateaubriand Donated by Alberto Jose Alve, Alberto Alves Filho and Alcino Ribeiro de Lima (NGV 2016)

20 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright – Group of dancers (red shirts) 1895-1900 pastel 77.0 x 58.0 cm Lent by Glasgow Life (Glasgow Museums) on behalf of Glasgow City Council: from the Burrell Collection with the approval of the Burrell Trustees (NGV 2016).

18 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Interior 1868/69 oil on canvas 81.3 x 114.3 cm Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pensylvania The Henry P. McIlhenny Collection in memory of Frances P. Mellhenny, 1986 (NGV 2016)

1 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

11 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Dancers on the stage c. 1899 oil on canvas 76.0 x 82.0 cm Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon Legs Jacqueline Delubac, 1997 (NGV 2016)

15 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

7 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Ercursion on horseback 1867-68 oil on canvas 71.0 x 90.5 cm Hiroshima Museum of Art (NGV 2016)

10 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

17 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

4 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Family portrait also called The Bellelli famil 1862 oil on canvas 201.0 x 249.5cm – Edgar Degas – Musee d;Orsay, Paris (NGV 2016)

12 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

2 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Alexander and Bucephalus 1859-60 oil on canvas 115.0 x 89.0 cm National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Bequest of Love Heinemann in memory of her husband Dr Rudolf J Heinemann (NGV 2016)

5 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright

13 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright Dancer with bouquets c. 1895-1900 oil on canvas 180.3 x 152.4cm Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virgina Gift of Walter P. Chrysler. Jr. in memory of Della Viola Forker Chrysler (NGV 2016).

16 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright A cotton office in New Orleans 1873 oil on canvas 73.0 x 92.0 cm Musee des Beaux-Arts, Pau (NGV 2016)

DEGAS ARTWORK LABELS FROM NGV

Please find here below a PDF of Degas Artwork labels as provided by the National Gallery of Victoria for those whom may wish to know more about each of his works as exhibited at this particular exhibition.

DEGAS_ArtworkLabels

YOUTUBE:  BIOGRAPHY OF EDGAR DEGAS – Discovery Art Artist History Impressionism (full documentary).  Published on Nov 17, 2014

Edgar Degas was born in Paris in 1834 to an upper middle-class family.  He abandoned his studies at university to devote himself to painting and become a celebrated French Impressionist (NGV 2016).  Life in Paris provided Edgar with a great source of inspiration – from scenes of work and industry to ballet and the theatre, race courses and boudoirs (NGV 2016). His work over fifty years embraced painting, drawing, printmaking, monotypes, sculpture and photography – impacting greatly on modern and contemporary art (NGV 2016).

Below here is a YouTube that very well introduces the life of Edgar Degas.  It’s lengthy but worthy of a watch for those whom are particularly interested in his life and his artwork.

 MY FAVOURITES OF EDGAR DEGAS’S ARTWORK

The exhibition of Edgar Degas’s consisted of over 200 works from dozens of collections worldwide and make up of paintings, drawings, printmaking, monotypes, sculptures and photography (NGV 2016).  Degas’s exhibition was expansive and really needed days of viewing rather than the little time that my hubby and I had undertaken.  I felt very privilege to have had the opportunity to see Degas’s works up close and not just in pictures or within documentaries – it was a wonderful experience.

There was so much to be enjoyed at Edgar Degas NGV’s Exhibition that I can only list a few of my favourites below.  I particular enjoyed viewing ‘A cotton office in New Orleans’ where it shows a group of men at work, its colouring and the angle of the view of the painting captures so much detailing of the men engaging in their daily tasks; ‘Dead fox in the undergrowth’ where the fox just seemed to be laid out in a resting position but is actually dead, there seemed to be something very sad about this image; and there were many portraits that I found engaging and in particular the ‘Edmondo and Therese Morbilli’, probably because of the story that they had experienced a loss of a child and with this knowledge, you could see the grief on their faces – a sense of sadness and despair.  Edgar Degas’s paintings of the dancers/ballerinas which he is best known for being that they are intimate and personal – I loved, the colour, the movement, the natural poses of the dancers/ballerinas just going about their daily routines.

Please click on the images to view details as provided by the NGV and/or open out the following PDF for more informed/details information about his artwork – DEGAS_ArtworkLabels

Racehorses c. 1895-99 pastel on tracing paper on cardboard 55.8 x 64.8 cm National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa Purchased, 1950. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 1 Dead fox in the undergrowth 1861-64 oil on canvas 92.0 x 73.0 cm – Edgar Degas – Musee des Beaux-Arts, Reunion des Musees Metropolitains, Rouen, Normandie. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 16

4 of 4 Edmondo and Therese Morbilli c. 1865 oil on canvas 116.5 x 888.3 cm – Edgar Degas Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Gift of Robert Treat Paine, 2nd. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

3 of 4 Edmondo and Therese Morbilli c. 1865 oil on canvas 116.5 x 888.3 cm – Edgar Degas Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Gift of Robert Treat Paine, 2nd. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

2 of 4 Edmondo and Therese Morbilli c. 1865 oil on canvas 116.5 x 888.3 cm – Edgar Degas Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Gift of Robert Treat Paine, 2nd. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 4 Edmondo and Therese Morbilli c. 1865 oil on canvas 116.5 x 888.3 cm – Edgar Degas Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Gift of Robert Treat Paine, 2nd. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

3 of 3 Family portrait also called The Bellelli famil 1862 oil on canvas 201.0 x 249.5cm – Edgar Degas – Musee d;Orsay, Paris. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

2 of 3 Family portrait also called The Bellelli famil 1862 oil on canvas 201.0 x 249.5cm – Edgar Degas – Musee d;Orsay, Paris. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 3 Family portrait also called The Bellelli famil 1862 oil on canvas 201.0 x 249.5cm – Edgar Degas – Musee d;Orsay, Paris. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

2 of 2 Victoria Dubourg c 1868-69 oil on canvas 81.3 x 64.8cm – Edgar Degas – Toledo Museum of Art Ohio. Gift of Mr and Mrs William E. Levis. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 2 Victoria Dubourg c 1868-69 oil on canvas 81.3 x 64.8cm – Edgar Degas – Toledo Museum of Art Ohio. Gift of Mr and Mrs William E. Levis. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 2 ‘Therese De Gas c 1863 oil on canvas 89.5 x 66.7cm – Edgar Degas -Musee d’Orsay, Paris. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

2 of 2 ‘Therese De Gas c 1863 oil on canvas 89.5 x 66.7cm – Edgar Degas -Musee d’Orsay, Paris. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

2 of 2 ‘Portrait of a woman c. 1876-80 oil on canvas 46.3 x 38.2cm – Edgar Degas – National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Felton Bequest, 1937 photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 2 ‘Portrait of a woman c. 1876-80 oil on canvas 46.3 x 38.2cm – Edgar Degas – National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Felton Bequest, 1937 photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

The bather c. 1895 pastel and charcoal 78.0 x 79.0 cm – Edgar Degas – Reading Public Museum, Pennsylvania Bequest, Henry K. Dick Estate. Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

1 of 1 A cotton office in New Orleans (Un bureau de coton a la Nouvelle-orleans) 183 oil on canvas 73.0 x 92.0cm – Edgar Degas – Photographed by Karen Robinson July 2016

EDGAR DEGAS’S – LITTLE DANCER AGED FOURTEEN

Here please find a very short YouTube about Degas’s  ‘The little fourteen-year-old dancer’ 1879-81 – Cast 1922-37 bronze with cotton skirt and satin ribbon 99.0 x 35.2 x 24.5cm.

8 of 20 ‘DEGAS – A NEW VISION’ Exhibition NGV July 2016 – Scene Photos taken by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected copyright The little fourteen-year old dancer 1879-81. cast 1922-37 bronze with cotton skirt and satin ribbon 99.0 x 35.2 x 24.5 cm Museu de arte de sao paulo, Assis Cateaubriand Donated by Alberto Jose Alve, Alberto Alves Filho and Alcino Ribeiro de Lima (NGV 2016)

CONCLUSION

We came away from Edgar Degas’s National Gallery of Victoria’s Exhibition knowing we had viewed an extraordinary exhibition, a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and appreciate the artwork of one amazing artist.  Art for therapy at its best for sure!

Reading the National Gallery of Victoria Magazine ‘Gallery’ about Edgar Degas’s Exhibition July 2016 – Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Written by ©Karen Robinson – July 2016

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! Post-traumatic Growth – My Art & Creative Writing Journey – Written by Karen Robinson