Diego Martelli
1879
Meet Diego Martelli, the Italian art critic who basically served as the godfather of Impressionism in Italy and a close friend of the artist. Degas sketched this contemplative portrait during a visit to Florence in 1879, capturing his friend's intense, brooding personality with swift, energetic strokes. Notice how the white highlights on the forehead and nose make the face pop against the warm brown paper—it’s a masterclass in using limited materials to create depth. Martelli was such a fan of Degas that he actually bought several of his paintings, helping to launch the artist's career in Italy.
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