Degas, (Hilaire-Germain-) Edgar (b. July 19, 1834, Paris, Fr. — d. Sept. 27, 1917, Paris) French artist, acknowledged as the master of drawing the human figure in motion. Degas worked in many mediums, preferring pastel to all others. He is perhaps best known for his paintings, drawings, and bronzes of ballerinas and of race horses.