How did Edgar Degas develop monotype printmaking as an art form?

Edgar Degas was a pivotal figure in the history of monotype printmaking, effectively elevating the process from a simple printing technique to an independent artistic medium.1

Degas developed the form by embracing the unique textural and luminous qualities inherent in transferring a wet design from a smooth surface—such as metal, glass, or plastic—onto paper. His approach was characterized by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative experimentation:23

• Black-and-White Monotypes: In the late 1870s, he focused on black-and-white monotypes, often enhancing them with additional layers of pastel or gouache to achieve subtle effects of light and texture.1
• Color Innovation: Between 1890 and 1892, Degas returned to the medium to perfect a new color procedure, resulting in a series of landscapes that frequently featured pastel embellishments.1
• Versatile Technique: He frequently worked over his printed proofs with paint or pastel, allowing him to manipulate nuances of gesture and form.13

While he eventually moved away from printmaking to focus on other media, his extensive experimentation during the late 19th century remains a cornerstone of the medium's history.13