The Degas House (circa 1852) is
remarkable even in a city filled with history. Degas resided in this House
(1872 - 1873) with his maternal relatives, the Musson Family, whose business
was cotton. While he resided in the House, Degas created at least twenty-two
works of art including the detailed scene of Michel Musson's office that
was the first painting ever purchased by a museum (Portraits in an Office:
The New Orleans Cotton Exchange, 1873, Musee des Beaux-Arts, Pau). This
purchase marked the beginning of the official recognition of Impressionism
as a significant art movement. |
The Degas House is the only residence
or studio of the French Impressionist Master, open to the public, anywhere
in the World. Built during the original development of the Esplanade Ridge
Neighborhood, the Degas House dates from the early 1850s. During these years,
directly prior to the Civil War, the South experienced a boom in both wealth
and population. New Orleans, in particular, thrived in this climate of affluence
and became the fourth largest city in the United States. The city responded
to the pressures of its increasing population by expanding its borders.
Enterprising developers purchased plantations surrounding the city that
soon became neighborhoods filled with large houses and spacious grounds.
As the largely residential French Quarter filled with growing families,
wealthy Creoles like the Musson Family began to occupy this newly available
housing, and the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood was born. |
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The Degas House was built in
1852 by architect and developer, Benjamin Rodriguez, who was a driving
force behind the development of the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood. He built
this House as his home. Written accounts from the time testify to the
Mansion's beauty. It was known as one of the most impressive residences
in the area. The grounds occupied most of the entire
block. The original Mansion was cut into two during the
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| 1920s, and one wing
was moved twenty feet to the side. Thus, the structure was reformed into
two residences. An award winning restoration was completed on the main Degas
House, and the second portion of the original Mansion was purchased and
is currently being restored. This portion contains Degas' bedroom and studio.
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