How has Edgar Degas’s reputation changed since the 20th century?

Edgar Degas’s reputation has followed a complex trajectory since the 20th century. While he was idolized by early 20th-century artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, his standing later suffered due to the rise of nonfigurative art and formalist criticism, which often relegated him to the role of a mere social commentator or a "painter of dancers."123

A major reevaluation began in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by new scholarship on his diverse body of work, including his sculpture, prints, and monotypes. During this period, his imagery became a focal point for feminist critics, who scrutinized his alleged misogyny and the perceived voyeurism in his depictions of women.1

Today, Degas is recognized as one of the most innovative and complex figures of his generation. Scholars increasingly acknowledge the elusive, self-conscious quality of his work and his significant role in bridging the gap between traditional academic art and the radical movements of the early modern period.12