The Bellelli Family
1858 Musée d'Orsay
About this artwork
This large-scale oil painting depicts the artist's aunt, Laura, her husband Gennaro, and their two daughters in their home in Florence. It is one of Degas' most significant early works, notable for its complex psychological tension and careful composition.
Did you know?
Degas began this ambitious portrait while living with his relatives in Italy, capturing the palpable tension between the unhappy couple. The estranged gaze of the husband, separated from his family by the visual weight of the fireplace, reflects the strained relationship that Degas observed during his stay. It remains a masterclass in using domestic space to articulate complex human emotions.
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The Bellelli Family
Edgar Degas, 1858
