Where Is Study for Semiramis Building Babylon?

Q: Where can I see this study?

This drawing is at the Louvre in Paris. The museum's drawings collection includes important preparatory works that reveal artists' creative processes, though fragile works are displayed in rotating exhibitions.

Q: Who was Semiramis?

Semiramis was a legendary Assyrian queen said to have founded Babylon and built its famous hanging gardens. Degas chose this classical subject early in his career before shifting to modern life.

Edgar Degas produced this preparatory study for his ambitious early history painting depicting the legendary Queen Semiramis overseeing Babylon's construction. The sketch shows draped figures in classical poses, revealing Degas's academic training before he turned to modern subjects. His confident draftsmanship captures gesture and composition.

This early work shows Degas engaging with grand historical themes before finding his true calling in contemporary Paris. The study demonstrates his classical foundation that later informed his radical modern works. Now at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

This drawing is at the Louvre in Paris. The museum's drawings collection includes important preparatory works that reveal artists' creative processes, though fragile works are displayed in rotating exhibitions.

Semiramis was a legendary Assyrian queen said to have founded Babylon and built its famous hanging gardens. Degas chose this classical subject early in his career before shifting to modern life.

After academic training in historical subjects, Degas discovered his genius lay in capturing modern Parisian life. Ballet dancers, horse races, and café scenes became his signature subjects.

Study for Semiramis Building Babylon

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Edgar Degas

Singer in Green

Madame Rene De Gas

Dancers Practicing at the Barre

Mademoiselle Malo

Also at Louvre, Paris

Artemis of Versailles

The Concert: Singer and Theorbo Player

The Combat of Mars and Minerva

Madonna and Sleeping Child with Three Angels

Related Impressionism Works

Water Lilies (Nymphéas)

Woman with a Parasol

Luncheon of the Boating Party

Two Sisters (On the Terrace)

Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1

Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies

Luncheon of the Boating Party

Impression, Sunrise

About Study for Semiramis Building Babylon

Own Art Like This