If you thought you knew most of Edgar Degas‘ work, this new exhibition the BNF (the National Library, in a stunning, recently renovated building that we visited for you here) will surprise you, showcasing his engravings in black and white, proving that you don’t have to use colour to be an impressionist…

Arranged chronologically and thematically, with 160 pieces on show, Degas en noir et blanc allows us to discover a side of the painter that is not very well known.

The absence of colour allowed the painter to experiment and explore some of his favourite motifs, an exercise that he would repeat over a number of decades. The settings dear to many impressionists are still present (the opera, cafés, brothels), but the result is perhaps more dramatic, plus melancholic. Even for his photos, Degas used an approach similar to a “printed drawing”.

The collection held by the BNF is the most expansive in the world, making it the perfect venue for such an exhibition, but several loans are also visible from the Picasso Museum, Musée d’Orsay and the MoMA in New York.

With 160 drawings, engravings and photos (plus one painting and one sculpture), you will discover a new aspect of Degas, as well as being able to compare it with the works fo his friends Mary Cassatt and Camille Pissarro.

Linked with the exhibition, there are conferences, talks and guided visits (more info on all the events being organised can be found here).

A catalogue of the exhibition is also available – 224 pages, 150 illustrations, 42€ here at your local amazon.

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The exhibition Degas en noir et blanc (Degas in black and white) is at the BNF Richelieu (here) from 31st May – 3rd September 2023

Open every day except Mondays from 10am-6pm (8pm Tuesdays)

Admission: 10€ (or 13€ with the amazing permanent collection) / 8€

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Une publication partagée par Bibliothèque nationale France (@labnf)