Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Edgar Degas’s Last Words
“What a beautiful thing breathing is!”— Edgar Degas, September 27, 1917
Who Was Edgar Degas?
Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist artist renowned for his paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers, horse races, and café society in Paris.
The Final Moments
Degas had been nearly blind for years before his death. His final appreciation of breathing is poignant given his long physical decline.
Are These Words Verified?
This quote is frequently attributed to Degas but lacks reliable primary source documentation. His final days were spent in declining health and isolation; specific last words are not well-attested.
Sources
- biography Henri Loyrette, Degas biography
- other Paul Valéry writings on Degas
Legacy
Degas's ballet paintings are among the most recognizable works of Impressionism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Edgar Degas’s last words?
“What a beautiful thing breathing is!”
How did Edgar Degas die?
Edgar Degas died on September 27, 1917 at the age of 83. Cause of death: Cerebral aneurysm.
Were Edgar Degas’s last words documented?
This quote is frequently attributed to Degas but lacks reliable primary source documentation. His final days were spent in declining health and isolation; specific last words are not well-attested.
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