Imagine Edgar Degas, brush in hand, capturing a moment in time right here in Estelle. It is not just a painting, it is a story of family and resilience. This is the story of Estelle Musson Degas.
Estelle is more than just a place on a map. It is a portrait of a woman painted by her cousin and brother-in-law, Edgar Degas. The painting now hangs in the New Orleans Museum of Art. It is a testament to the city’s artistic heritage.
In 1872, Edgar Degas visited New Orleans. He stayed with his uncle Michel Musson on Esplanade Avenue. Degas’ mother was from New Orleans. He had many family connections here. His brother René also lived here. René was married to Estelle Musson. So Estelle was both Degas’ cousin and sister-in-law.
Degas captured Estelle arranging flowers. She did so by touch and smell because she was nearly blind. She suffered from a chronic eye disease. Degas himself had limited eyesight. This created a deep connection between them. He portrays her pregnant belly framed by the flowers. A pink camellia sits directly over her navel.
Estelle’s life was marked by challenges. Her first husband died in the Civil War. She was left a widow with a young daughter. Later, René abandoned her. He left her to be cared for by her father.
Degas felt sympathy for Estelle. He had met her in Paris ten years earlier. She had fled New Orleans during the Civil War. In this painting, Degas immortalized her. He captured a moment of both promise and worry.
Degas returned to France. He kept the painting of Estelle with him. After his death, his New Orleans paintings were sold. They went to museums and private collections around the world.
In 1962, the New Orleans Museum of Art wanted to bring Estelle home. The museum launched a campaign. The whole city got involved. There were gala events and bake sales. Children put spare change in canisters.
The museum raised $190,000. This is equal to about $1.4 million today. The city celebrated with a parade. Estelle journeyed down Esplanade Avenue. She passed the home where she once lived. Finally, she arrived at the museum.
The painting is now worth about $14 million. Other Degas works are also at NOMA. They include pastels, sketches, and a sculpture.
Remember Estelle. Her story is one of beauty and sadness. It is a story of family and art. It is a story that New Orleans will never forget. The campaign to “Bring Estelle Home” engaged the community in art. If you are ever in NOLA, please visit NOMA and pay Estelle a visit.