Woman Combing Her Hair
Original title: Woman Combing Her Hair
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas captures a woman brushing her hair, seen from behind, in this pastel from around 1888–90. The work is executed in pastel on light green wove paper, which has since darkened to a warm gray, and is mounted on its original pulpboard.
Description
The upright figure is shown exclusively from the back. Her arms cross as her right hand holds a brush stick. Long, dark brown hair flows over one shoulder. The background dissolves into a web of color patches in various shades of green and orange. Pastel hues and the palpable texture of the paper define the impression; the coloring feels soft and fluid, the style Impressionist.
Context
During these years Degas devoted himself increasingly to the theme of the toilette and women's everyday actions. Such scenes belong to a series in which he explored the private, unposed posture during washing or combing. At that time he turned more often to pastel because it allowed him spontaneous and color-intensive effects.
Impact
Because the woman turns her back and the surroundings are only suggested, posture and gesture come into focus. This creates an intimate, observational mood. The warm and cool color areas of the background contrast with the dark hair and lend the sheet a calm, almost meditative aura.
Technique
For this work Degas used pastel crayon on light green wove paper, which has discolored over time to a warm gray. The paper is mounted on cardboard, which increases its stability. The visible paper texture and the soft, fluid coloring characterize his late pastel technique.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)