Portrait of Charles Hayem

Edgar Degas|Marcellin Desboutin|Charles Hayem

1876 · Drypoint; first state of three · Drawings and Prints

In his prints, Desboutin usually built the image over several successive states, often manipulating the inking, and signing or dedicating various versions to his friends – such as he did in this portrait of the collector Charles Hayem. This impression is a previously unrecorded state. The inscription below the loosely-outlined portrait in English reads: "to the friend Degas / the very first proof / M. Desboutin / April [18]76." If correct, then the inscription would mean that this print was not only likely owned by the painter Edgar Degas, but also should be dated 1876 rather than the commonly presumed date of 1877.

Artist

Edgar Degas|Marcellin Desboutin|Charles Hayem

Date

1876

Medium

Drypoint; first state of three

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Eric G. Carlson, in honor of Colta Ives, 2009