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Study for Semiramis Building Babylon
by Edgar Degas
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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.
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About Study for Semiramis Building Babylon
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.
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