Woman Arranging her Hair
Original title: Woman Arranging her Hair
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas modeled the female nude 'Woman Arranging Her Hair' probably between 1900 and 1910; it was cast in bronze in 1920. The naked woman is captured in a dynamic pose, both hands moving toward her hair. This work belongs to Degas's late sculptures, marked by expressive forms and a concentration on essentials.
Description
A nude woman arranges her hair with both arms. Her posture seems animated, the arms intertwined in a tangled, almost abstract gesture, the hands grasping each other. The bronze surface shows a dense patina in dark brown and red tones, interspersed with greenish and bluish reflections. The figure stands on a flat base; light falling from the front brings out the sculptural volumes. A neutral background focuses attention on the sculpture.
Context
In his later career, Degas repeatedly turned to the female nude in everyday poses. The surviving wax models were only transferred to bronze after his death in 1917, which explains the 1920 casting date. Degas often worked on his sculptures for years, reworking them multiple times—hence the expressive, seemingly unfinished surface.
Impact
The sculpture feels like an immediate, almost intimate snapshot of a private act. The abstracted arms and hands create a surreal tension that challenges the viewer. The patina, with its warm and cool tones, gives the work a sensual, lively presence.
Technique
The sculpture was cast in bronze; the complex patina was achieved through chemical treatment. Degas originally modeled the form in wax, working directly and adding material. The bronze casting was posthumous, largely preserving the detailed surface of the wax model.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)