Art
In 1875, French painter Edgar Degas captured his Uncle Henri and cousin Lucie in their Paris home. This portrait reveals how the wealthy middle class used art to display family bonds and social status during the industrial age.
Art · Full story
Henri Degas sits rigid in his chair, one hand resting on his lap, his gaze steady and direct. Behind him, his young niece Lucie stands close, her hand touching the back of his seat—a gesture of quiet affection that breaks the formality of the moment. Light falls across their faces, catching the texture of fabric and skin, making this ordinary family moment feel timeless.
Reflect
Who in your family has sat for a formal photo or portrait? What did the moment feel like?