Today is the birthday of Edward Degas, a founder of the Impressionist movement in France and arguably one of the most influential artists of all time.

Degas began painting at a very young age and, by the time he was 18, he had turned his bedroom into a studio. When he was 21, he decided to enroll in the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris to pursue his passion for painting.

Degas concentrated primarily on classical historical works during the early stages of his career until he met Eduoard Manet. Manet introduced him to the world of Impressionism and changed how Degas viewed painting forever.

Degas threw aside traditional painting methods and adopted the Impressionistic style of swift, small brush strokes. He also changed his subject matter, choosing to paint things that expressed more movement such as theatrical scenes and ballet performances.

Degas is considered to be one of the most innovative painters of his generation and has millions of admirers worldwide. His work has been credited for influencing artists from Picasso to Matisse.