Carlo Pellegrini
- Artist: Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas
- Date: about 1876-7
- Medium: Oil on laid paper, strip-lined
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Carlo Pellegrini" painted by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas. You might notice that it's a portrait, but not just any ordinary one - this is actually a caricature of Carlo Pellegrini himself. He was an Italian-born artist who made a name for himself as a portrait caricaturist in London.
Degas met Pellegrini in the 1870s and was clearly inspired by his work. In return for Pellegrini's portrait, Degas painted this one, which is also inscribed with a message from him to Pellegrini.
Notice how Pellegrini is depicted striking a rather comic attitude here - it's characteristic of his style, but Degas has added some additional details that set this painting apart. For example, the figure is shown in a narrow vertical format, and there are hints of a setting behind him, which contrasts with the blank backdrops often used by Pellegrini.
The unusual combination of oil on laid paper, strip-lined creates a unique texture to the painting that adds to its charm.
See it in person
Carlo Pellegrini hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
