Edgar Degas – Young Woman with Ibis Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The composition presents a solitary figure, a young woman draped in a vibrant blue cloth, positioned against a backdrop suggesting a distant cityscape. The color palette is dominated by blues and reds, with muted earth tones forming the horizon line. Two striking crimson birds, identified as ibises, flank her on either side, their forms rendered with bold brushstrokes that emphasize their plumage.
The woman’s posture conveys a sense of introspection or melancholy. Her gaze is directed downwards, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer. The heavy folds of the blue cloth partially obscure her form, contributing to an aura of mystery and perhaps even confinement. The artist has chosen to depict her face in a relatively neutral expression, allowing for multiple interpretations regarding her emotional state.
The background reveals a cityscape punctuated by what appears to be a minaret or similar architectural feature, suggesting a location with cultural significance – possibly North Africa or the Middle East. This backdrop is rendered loosely, almost impressionistically, creating a sense of distance and dreamlike quality. The inclusion of roses scattered near the lower right corner introduces an element of fragility and beauty, contrasting with the somewhat somber mood established by the woman’s demeanor and the starkness of the landscape.
The presence of the ibises is particularly noteworthy. These birds are often associated with symbolism relating to death, mourning, or transformation in various cultures. Their vibrant red color intensifies this symbolic weight, potentially suggesting a connection between the woman and themes of loss, renewal, or spiritual journeying. The way she interacts – or rather, doesn’t interact – with these creatures suggests a complex relationship; they are companions, perhaps even symbols of her inner state, but not necessarily sources of comfort.
The paintings overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and subtle emotional complexity. It avoids overt narrative, instead inviting the viewer to engage with the psychological landscape suggested by the figure’s pose, the symbolic presence of the birds, and the evocative backdrop.