The Dance Class

early 1870s

Meets Durand-Ruel

Degas met the dealer Durand-Ruel, later the most prominent of the trusted dealers with whom he planned his strategy at auctions.

1872–1873

Creates “A Cotton Office in New Orleans”

Staying at the home of his uncle Michel Musson, Degas produced a number of works in New Orleans, many depicting family members. “A Cotton Office” garnered favourable attention in France and remained the only work of his bought by a museum in his lifetime — the museum at Pau.

October 1872 – March 1873 · Residence

New Orleans

1873–1874

His brother's debts: he sells his house and collection

After his father's death Degas learned that his brother René had run up enormous business debts. To save the family's reputation he sold his house and an inherited art collection and for the first time in his life depended on sales of his own work.

1874

The first Impressionist exhibition

Disenchanted with the Salon, Degas joined a group of young artists organizing an independent exhibiting society. He took a leading role in organizing the eight shows of 1874–1886 and exhibited in all but one, despite constant conflicts with the group.

1875

Creates “Place de la Concorde”

A portrait of Ludovic Lepic and his daughters in a city setting, in which chance passers-by have the same compositional weight as the main figures. The painting is in the Hermitage.