Edgar Degas: 'No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and the study of the great masters.'

No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and the study of the great masters.

Edgar Degas, a renowned French artist of the 19th century, once remarked that his artwork was far from spontaneous. He attributed his artistic creations to thoughtful reflection and the diligent study of the great masters. This quote reflects Degas' beliefs regarding the meticulousness and deliberation that underlie his artistic process. It emphasizes the importance of learning from the works of accomplished artists who came before him.At first glance, this quote may seem straightforward, capturing Degas' commitment to the discipline and intellectual exploration required for creating art. However, delving deeper into the realm of philosophy, we can draw an intriguing parallel that sheds new light on the quote's meaning. Let us consider the concept of determinism.Determinism is a philosophical theory that posits all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by antecedent causes. In this context, it suggests that everything humans say, do, or create is predetermined, leaving no room for spontaneity or free will. Applying this concept to Degas' quote, we can explore the interplay between determinism and artistic expression.Degas' acknowledgment that his art is the result of reflection and study may appear to align with determinism. If all events, including the study and reflection process, are predetermined, then the concept of spontaneity in art may indeed be illusory. However, the beauty lies in the opposition that arises between determinism and the creative process.While Degas recognizes the lack of spontaneity in his art, he still embraces the significance of reflection and the study of past masters. This juxtaposition reveals the paradoxical nature of artistic creation. On one hand, determinism suggests an absence of autonomy, implying that artistic expression is simply a product of predetermined factors. On the other hand, Degas' conscious effort to study and reflect instills a sense of agency, as though the artist is actively shaping the manifestation of their ideas.The aspiring artist faces a philosophical conundrum: the tension between determinism and creative agency. Can an artist claim to be truly autonomous in their creations, or does determinism curtail this freedom? Degas' statement, therefore, serves as a springboard to ponder these questions and explore the boundary between conscious intent and the influence of external factors.While Degas acknowledges the studied nature of his art, we should not discount the sparks of inspiration that may still arise in even the most deliberate process. The discipline of studying the great masters allows for a deep understanding of the technical aspects of art, but it also provides exposure to a rich tapestry of influences. These influences can act as catalysts for moments of serendipity, where spontaneity and inspiration intertwine with purposeful creation.In conclusion, Edgar Degas' quote encapsulates his belief in the careful reflection and study that underpin his artistic process. However, exploring the underlying concept of determinism introduces an element of philosophical intrigue and invites a critical examination of the relationship between artistic agency and external influences. Degas' acknowledgment of the deliberate nature of his art allows for a broader consideration of the complex interplay between discipline, inspiration, and the quest for creative autonomy. Ultimately, his quote serves as a reminder that even in the absence of true spontaneity, the artistry lies in the artist's ability to transmute studied influences into something uniquely their own.