Edgas Degas, the member of the French Impressionist circle who adhered most closely to classical and academic traditions, took great inspiration in the works of Rembrandt, as did many other artists, and as Rembrandt himself took inspiration in other masters before him.
As part of their series of yearly exhibits focusing on the inspiration the Dutch masters of the Golden Age provided for later artists, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is presenting an exhibition titled For the first time: Rembrandt & Degas in which they explore the impact that Degas’ study of Rembrandt had on his own work.
They are doing this with works from both artists shown side by aide, and they have on their website an interactive that delves into the similarities of some works, notably self portraits but also other portraits, both in paintings and etchings.
The exhibition is on view in Amsterdam until 23 October 2011, and then travels to the U.S., where it will be on display at The Clark Institute in Williamstown, MA from November 13, 2011 to February 5, 2012, and then at the Met in NY from February to May in 2012.
