The Café (Absinthe)

Date: 1876
Medium: oil on canvas
Location: Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France
Dimensions: 92 x 68

Degas depicts a woman who apparently behaves as until recently could only men could, that means, that she widely and publicly drinks alcohol. There is a model Ellen André depicted with one particular man, graphic designer Marcel Desboutin. No contact and relationship is apparent between both of them. Degas emphasizes the loneliness of the newly formed industrial society, in which people rely only on themselves. Someone put a tray of absinthe in front of her. On the table there is also a glass of brandy and other drinks. It is possible that the woman represents a typical fate of women who at that time (1876) migrated from the countryside to Paris and often ended up as prostitutes - her face expresses absence, resignation and a certain contempt for herself. And alcohol probably offers the only possible comfort. Line tables, typical marble tables of that time cafes gave depth to the image, which is enhanced by the mirror behind the two protagonists.

Degas painted picture The Café (Absinthe) in 1876. Prevailing color of this fine art print is dark and its shape is portrait. Original size is 92 x 68. This art piece is located in Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France. This image is printed on demand - you can choose material, size and finishing.

Edgar Degas (1834-1917). French painter and sculptor. He is considered one of the founders of Impressionism, although he called himself a realist. As an 1870s painter associated with dance, over half his works are devoted to depicting ballerinas, ballet performances and practices. His portrayal of motion is one of the most perfect seen. He also devoted himself to portraiture, and his portraits and nudes are among the most admired in history.