Woman Seated in Armchair Wiping Her Left Armpit
Original title: Woman Seated in Armchair Wiping Her Left Armpit
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas probably modeled this bronze figure around 1895; it was cast in 1920. It shows a seated woman in a casual, private gesture: her left arm is raised to touch her armpit, while her right hand holds a cloth.
Description
A seated woman with crossed legs, her left arm lifted in a relaxed manner. In her right hand she holds a cloth that falls over her shoulder. The bronze shimmers from dark brown to almost black, a sign of natural patina. Light from the left strikes the figure, bringing out contours and surface textures. The background remains bare, letting the subject stand on its own.
Context
At that time Degas turned increasingly to everyday, unposed body postures. Modeled probably around 1895, the figure was not cast in bronze until 1920—after the artist's death. It belongs to a group of small sculptures that Degas made only for himself and that came to public attention posthumously.
Impact
From the first glance, one feels an immediate, almost familiar closeness to the seated woman, for the moment seems private and unobserved. The realism of the form and the natural patina give the figure a tangible presence that draws the viewer into the scene.
Technique
Cast in bronze, the surface carries a natural patina from dark brown to nearly black. The lost-wax casting method allowed a detailed realization of the female figure and her movement. At roughly 32 x 32 x 20 cm, the format remains compact and intimate.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)