Woman Stretching
Original title: Woman Stretching
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas likely modeled the bronze statue 'Sich streckende Frau' between 1884 and 1889; it was cast in 1920. It shows a nude female figure in a stretching pose and belongs to the sculptural works with which Degas late in his career devoted himself to the female body in everyday postures.
Description
The standing nude woman reaches one arm upward, the other slightly raised. Her head is tilted back, her gaze following the movement of the outstretched arm. The legs are somewhat bent, the feet resting on an uneven, flat base. The surface of the body is detailed, with muscles and skin folds visible. Light falling from above emphasizes the contours and texture of the bronze, which has a uniform gray patina with subtle shadings.
Context
The sculpture was made in the 1880s, when Degas was deeply engaged with the female body in unposed poses. It was not cast in bronze until 1920, after his death—a sign of the late recognition of his sculptural work. Degas was known for his experimental approach to materials and techniques, which is also evident here.
Impact
The figure radiates an immediate sensuality and natural grace typical of Degas's figures. The stretching movement creates a dynamic tension that captivates the viewer and captures the fleeting moment.
Technique
The sculpture was cast in bronze using the lost-wax method, which preserved fine details of the modeling. The patina was created by chemical treatment and gives the figure a warm, even tone.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)