Edgar Degas, born in Paris in 1834, was a renowned French artist known for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is considered one of the founders of Impressionism, although he preferred to be called a realist or classical painter. Degas is most famous for his depictions of ballet dancers, horse racing scenes, and everyday life in Paris. His innovative compositions and use of light and movement set him apart from his contemporaries. Degas continued to create art despite facing vision problems later in life. He passed away in 1917, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.