Woman Combing Her Hair - Edgar Degas

This lithograph by Edgar Degas captures a woman in a private moment, seated before a mirror as she combs her hair. The muted palette and sketch-like lines create a sense of intimacy and authenticity, characteristic of Degas's exploration of modern life.

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was a French artist celebrated for his contributions to the Impressionist movement. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Degas favoured urban subjects, particularly dancers and women in intimate, everyday settings. He was a master of line and composition, often employing unconventional viewpoints and cropping techniques inspired by Japanese prints and photography. Degas's work is characterised by its psychological insight and its exploration of modern life. He worked in various media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. His innovative approach to form and subject matter has secured his position as a major figure in the history of art. 'Woman Combing Her Hair' is a lithograph that exemplifies Degas's interest in capturing candid moments of women's private lives. The composition depicts a woman seated before a mirror, her attention focused on arranging her long hair. The scene is rendered in a muted palette of greys and blacks, achieved through the lithographic process. The artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, while the loose, sketch-like quality of the lines adds to the immediacy of the image. The woman's pose is natural and unposed, conveying a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The mirror reflects not only her physical appearance but also hints at her inner thoughts and emotions.