Edgar Degas – French Impressionist Degas is one of my personal favorites, especially the paintings of the ballerinas. He captured a behind the scenes image of the life of the professional ballerina. He was born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar de Gas on July 19, 1834, in the city of Paris, France. His father was Augustin de Gas, a banker of prominence. His mother was Marie-Celestine Musson from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She was Creole, descended from original French and Spanish settlers in Louisiana. She was an amateur opera singer. His father would arrange music recitals in their home. Edgar was the eldest of…