One of art history’s most admired artists, Edgar Degas (1834–1917) challenged contemporary conventions with his intriguing working methods. This generously illustrated study is the latest title in the National Gallery’s series Art in the Making. Drawing on both technical studies and documentary evidence, it takes a fascinating look at Degas’s techniques in the context of his life and artistic milieu as well as his place in the Impressionist movement.

The book includes a vivid biographical sketch, an essay on Degas’s working methods and materials, a discussion of his reputation in Britain, and catalogue entries on 14 works owned by or on loan to the National Gallery.

David Bomford is Senior Restorer; Sarah Herring is Isaiah Berlin Assistant Curator of Nineteenth-Century Paintings; Christopher Riopelle is Curator of Nineteenth-Century Paintings; Jo Kirby is Senior Scientific Officer; and Ashok Roy is Head of the Scientific Department, all at the National Gallery, London.