Edgar Degas – Woman Arranging Her Hair, 1894 Sotheby’s

Here we observe a pastel drawing depicting a woman engaged in a private and intimate act – arranging her hair before a mirror. The composition is centered around this action, with the figure positioned slightly off-kilter, suggesting a candid moment captured rather than a posed portrait. Her gaze is directed downwards, seemingly focused on the task at hand, creating an impression of introspection or perhaps even vulnerability.
The artist employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – creams, browns, and greens – which contribute to a sense of quietude and intimacy. The background appears blurred and indistinct, rendered in washes of green and blue that evoke a sense of depth without providing specific details. This lack of clarity directs the viewer’s attention squarely onto the figure and her actions.
The womans body is depicted with a frankness characteristic of late nineteenth-century art. While not overtly sexualized, the drawing acknowledges the female form in its natural state. The loose draping of what appears to be a robe or shawl further emphasizes this sense of unstudied realism. The artist’s use of pastel allows for a delicate rendering of skin tones and textures, capturing the softness of the flesh while also suggesting the fleeting nature of the moment.
Subtleties within the work hint at deeper meanings. The act of arranging ones hair can be interpreted as a ritualistic preparation – not just for appearance but perhaps for an encounter or a significant event. This suggests a narrative beyond the immediate action, implying a life unfolding outside the frame. The woman’s expression is difficult to decipher; it could convey melancholy, contemplation, or simply absorption in her task.
The drawings overall effect is one of quiet observation and psychological insight. It offers a glimpse into a private moment, inviting speculation about the womans inner world and the circumstances surrounding this seemingly mundane activity. The artist’s technique – the loose strokes, the muted colors, the blurred background – all contribute to an atmosphere of intimacy and suggestion, leaving room for individual interpretation.