The Bellelli Family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Bellelli Family |
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| Artist | Edgar Degas |
| Year | 1858–1867 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 200 cm × 253 cm (79 in × 100 in) |
| Location | Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France |
The Bellelli Family, also known as Family Portrait, is a famous oil painting by Edgar Degas. He was a French artist who lived from 1834 to 1917. This painting was created between 1858 and 1867. Today, you can see it at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. It's considered one of Degas's best works from when he was a young artist. The painting shows his aunt, her husband, and their two young daughters.
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What is "The Bellelli Family"?
This painting is a large family portrait. It shows four people: Degas's aunt Laura, her husband Baron Gennaro Bellelli, and their daughters Giulia and Giovanna. Degas painted this during a time when he was still learning and growing as an artist. It gives us a peek into the lives of his relatives.
Who are the Bellellis?
The people in the painting are important to Degas. Laura Bellelli was his father's sister. Her husband, Gennaro Bellelli, was a baron. He was also an Italian patriot. This means he strongly supported Italy becoming a united country. Because of his beliefs, he had to leave his home in Naples and live in Florence.
Meet the Artist: Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas is known for his amazing paintings. He often painted dancers, but he also created many portraits. He liked to capture people in their everyday lives. Degas spent time in Italy when he was younger. This is where he met and studied his aunt's family. He used sketches and ideas from Italy to finish this painting later in Paris.
What Does the Painting Show?
The painting tells a story about the family. Laura, Degas's aunt, is wearing a black dress. This shows she is in mourning. Her father, Degas's grandfather, had recently passed away. You can even see a framed portrait of her father behind her.
The Family's Story
Laura looks very serious and dignified in the painting. Her hands seem connected to her daughters. This suggests a strong bond between them. Her husband, the Baron, looks different. He is sitting at a desk, a bit separate from the rest of the family. This might show that he is busy with business or things outside the home.
Looking Closely at the Painting
The two daughters also have different poses. Giulia, one of the girls, looks more lively and active. Her sister, Giovanna, seems more quiet and reserved. Some art experts think these different poses might hint at some family tensions. It's like the painting captures a real moment in their lives, with all their feelings.
