Loading

Louise Halévy Reading to Degas

about 1895

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

"Daylight is too easy. What I want is difficult--the atmosphere of lamps or moonlight," wrote Edgar Degas of making photographs. This self-portrait with Louise Halévy features a reading lamp prominently in the center of the composition. Halévy and Degas are rendered sketchily--a hand here, an ear there--yet the lamp is portrayed in detail. Degas did render the atmosphere of lamplight, but not the illumination from it. The shade remains dark, and Halévy casts a long shadow over the paper she is meant to be reading, indicating a source of light from behind her. However, the low light level creates an atmosphere of tranquil contemplation and sets the mood for this private scene.

Show lessRead more
The J. Paul Getty Museum

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites