The Japanese woodblock prints influenced French Impressionist Edgar Degas in several ways:
1. **Composition**: Degas was inspired by the flattened perspective, asymmetrical compositions, and unusual angles commonly found in Japanese woodblock prints. This influence can be seen in his artworks where he experimented with similar compositional techniques.
2. **Subject Matter**: Japanese prints often depicted everyday scenes, nature, and the beauty of ordinary life. Degas, influenced by this approach, started to portray scenes of ballet dancers, horse races, and everyday activities with a similar focus on capturing moments of ordinary life.
3. **Use of Color and Line**: Japanese woodblock prints used bold colors, strong outlines, and decorative patterns. Degas incorporated some of these elements into his own work, using vibrant colors and experimenting with line quality to bring a sense of movement and dynamism to his paintings and drawings.
4. **Negative Space**: Japanese prints often made use of negative space to create a sense of balance and harmony. Degas applied this concept in his compositions, using empty spaces strategically to draw attention to the main subjects and create a sense of rhythm in his artworks.
Overall, the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on Degas can be seen in his innovative compositions, subject choices, use of color and line, and the incorporation of negative space in his works. These influences contributed to Degas's unique style within the Impressionist movement.
