Girl Putting on Her Stockings
Original title: Girl Putting on Her Stockings
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas made this work in 1876–77. It shows a woman pulling on a stocking. The image is a monotype in black ink on china paper, later mounted on cardboard. Degas was drawn to unposed, everyday moments, and this subject is one example.
Description
A woman sits on a chair, holding a stocking as she draws it over her leg. Her posture suggests calm and thought. A curtain blocks the background. She wears a simple top, her hair tied in a ponytail. The view stays in shades of gray, monochrome; light from the front highlights her silhouette.
Context
In the 1870s Degas turned increasingly to monotype, a technique he began testing in the middle of that decade. The female body dressing recurs often in his work, in bathing or toilette scenes. This sheet was made among the Impressionists, though Degas rejected the label for himself. The small format points to a private or experimental piece.
Impact
The muted color and intimate crop create a quiet, reflective mood. The image feels plain and focuses on the everyday action, bringing the viewer closer to what is happening. The light lifts the figure and gives her a presence of her own.
Technique
This work is a monotype: black ink was applied to a plate and then printed onto china paper. This produces soft tonal gradations and a distinctive texture. To give it more stability, the paper was later mounted on cardboard.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)