




A weird story of Degas in 2023, written by AI
In the heart of Paris, a city known for its illustrious past, a mysterious phenomenon had taken place. Edgar Degas, the famed 19th-century painter, had somehow been transported to the year 2023. As he wandered the modern streets of Paris, he was befuddled by the neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and peculiar devices in the hands of passersby. Edgar’s heart raced with both wonder and trepidation as he tried to understand his new reality.
While exploring this foreign world, Edgar found himself in a dimly-lit alleyway. His curious nature drew him to the shadowy recesses, where he discovered a scene that seemed to belong to his time. There, a girl dressed in a ballet tutu was practicing her dance moves, her slender figure lit by the warm glow of a flickering street lamp.
“Bonsoir, Mademoiselle,” Edgar said, enchanted by the sight.
The girl looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. “You’re…you’re Edgar Degas!” she stammered. “But how? I thought you were…well, dead!”
Edgar chuckled nervously. “It seems fate has a sense of humor. I’m not entirely sure how, but I’ve found myself in your time. And who might you be?”
“I’m Émilie,” the girl replied, still in awe. “I’m a student at the Paris Opera Ballet School. I’ve always admired your paintings. They’re so lifelike and full of emotion. It’s a dream come true to meet you!”
Edgar smiled, flattered by the young dancer’s admiration. “Thank you, Émilie. Your dancing is quite exquisite as well. You remind me of the ballerinas I used to paint.”
As they chatted, a bizarre-looking contraption on wheels zoomed by, startling Edgar. “What in the world is that?” he asked, his eyes wide with amazement.
“That’s a scooter, Monsieur Degas. They’re popular in this time for getting around the city quickly. Would you like to try?”
Despite his initial hesitation, Edgar agreed. After all, he had already embraced the peculiarities of this new world. Émilie showed him how to operate the scooter, and they took off, zipping through the streets of Paris. As they rode, Edgar marveled at the city’s transformation, noting how both old and new architecture coexisted harmoniously.
They eventually reached a quaint café, where they decided to stop for refreshments. As they sat outside, Edgar pulled out a digital drawing tablet, a device he had discovered earlier in his time-traveling adventure. He began sketching Émilie, intrigued by the technological marvel.

“People don’t use paper and pencil anymore?” he asked, his fingers gliding across the screen.
“Some do, but this is more convenient,” Émilie explained. “Plus, you can create different effects and easily correct any mistakes.”
Edgar nodded, appreciating the advantages of the device, even though he secretly missed the feel of charcoal on paper. After finishing the sketch, he showed it to Émilie, who gasped with delight.
“It’s beautiful! You’ve captured my essence, just like your paintings,” she exclaimed.
As they continued to chat, Edgar learned about the many advancements and changes the world had undergone since his time. Émilie told him about the internet, social media, and how artists shared their work in the digital age. The painter was fascinated, but he couldn’t help feeling a pang of nostalgia for the simplicity of his era.
Suddenly, a robotic pigeon, an invention that had become popular in recent years as a surveillance tool, swooped down and perched on their table. Edgar stared at the mechanical creature, baffled by its artificial nature.
“Is this a common sight now?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Émilie chuckled. “Not exactly common, but they’re around. They’re used for various purposes, like monitoring traffic or keeping an eye on public spaces.”
Edgar frowned, uncomfortable with the thought of a world under constant watch. Despite the wonders he had witnessed, he couldn’t help but long for the familiarity and privacy of his own time.

As the day turned to evening, Émilie guided Edgar to the Louvre, where his paintings were on display. They wandered through the grand halls, Edgar’s eyes lighting up as he saw his own masterpieces hanging alongside those of other renowned artists. He was particularly delighted to find his beloved ballerinas exhibited in a special section dedicated to his work.
“I can’t believe my paintings are still cherished after all these years,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Émilie smiled warmly. “Your art has touched the lives of so many people, Monsieur Degas. It’s a testament to your talent and the timeless nature of your work.”
As they stood before one of his paintings, a peculiar sensation washed over Edgar. He felt a strong connection to the canvas, as if it were calling him back to his own time. He hesitated for a moment, then turned to Émilie.
“I think it’s time for me to return to my era,” he said solemnly. “I’ve had a wonderful adventure, but my heart belongs in the 19th century.”
Émilie’s eyes filled with tears, but she understood. “I’ll miss you, Monsieur Degas. Thank you for the incredible day we’ve shared.”
They embraced, and as they did, the painting before them began to shimmer. A vortex of colors swirled around Edgar, pulling him back into the world he knew so well. As he disappeared, he whispered his farewell, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
In the weeks that followed, rumors of Edgar Degas’ mysterious appearance in 2023 spread throughout Paris. Some dismissed the story as an elaborate hoax, while others believed it to be a genuine encounter with the legendary painter.
As for Émilie, her encounter with Edgar Degas had left an indelible mark on her life. She cherished the digital sketch he had made of her and continued to pursue her passion for ballet with renewed determination. And in her heart, she held the memory of the day she met the great Edgar Degas, knowing that the magic of art had the power to transcend time and bring people together, even if only for a brief, enchanted moment.
If you like the story, why not print the image and hang it up? Edgar Degas, painter of the last century, in 2023, is painted in the style of him. Hope to see you in the next post with another painter’s strange story written by AI!
Claude Monet in the Parisian café