Edgar Degas – Woman Drying Her Hair, 1885 Sotheby’s

The pastel drawing presents a woman engaged in a private domestic ritual: drying her hair. She is positioned with her back towards the viewer, creating a sense of intimacy and voyeurism simultaneously. The composition is dominated by the curve of her spine and shoulders as she leans forward, absorbed in the task at hand. Her arms are raised, hands actively rubbing moisture from her hair, a gesture that conveys both physical exertion and quiet concentration.
The artist’s use of color contributes significantly to the overall effect. A warm ochre palette defines the majority of the figures skin tones, lending a sense of immediacy and naturalism. This is contrasted by cooler blues and greens used for the towel draped over her shoulders and the background elements. The application of pastel is loose and expressive; strokes are visible, contributing to a feeling of spontaneity and capturing the fleeting nature of the moment. There’s an absence of sharp lines or precise detailing, which further emphasizes the impressionistic quality of the work.
The backdrop appears to be a simple interior space, suggested by indistinct patches of color – reds, greens, and yellows – that hint at wallpaper or fabric. The lack of specific detail in the background directs attention solely towards the figure and her action. This deliberate simplification reinforces the focus on the private moment being depicted.
Subtly, the work explores themes of femininity, domesticity, and privacy. By presenting a woman engaged in an everyday activity, the artist elevates the mundane to something worthy of artistic consideration. The viewer is positioned as an unseen observer, invited to contemplate not only the physical act but also the psychological state of the subject – her solitude, her vulnerability, and perhaps even a sense of self-possession within that private sphere. The posture suggests a certain weariness or introspection, hinting at a narrative beyond the immediate action of drying hair.