Edgar Degas was born in Paris into a wealthy family, which provided him with an excellent artistic education. Although associated with the Impressionist movement, Degas distinguished himself through his refined technique, the rigor of his drawing, and his preference for urban and everyday themes, to the detriment of the open-air landscapes so dear to other Impressionists. His work is marked by a keen eye for movement and form, capturing the essence of his subjects in spontaneous moments, as in his famous depictions of ballerinas and women bathing. He also explored sculpture, notably in wax.