Girl Drying Herself (1885) by Edgar Degas

Girl Drying Herself - Edgar Degas - c.1884 - c.1886

Artwork Information

TitleGirl Drying Herself
ArtistEdgar Degas
Datec.1884 - c.1886
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions31 1/2 x 20 1/8 in. (80.1 x 51.2 cm)
Art MovementImpressionism
Current LocationBrooklyn Museum, New York City, NY, US
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About Girl Drying Herself

Edgar Degas’ Girl Drying Herself is a 19th-century pastel painting that showcases the artist’s focus on urban French life. It is signed and dated 1885 and is part of the Impressionist movement. The painting depicts a woman drying herself off, a subject that Degas often portrayed in his artworks. The painting measures 80.1 x 51.2 cm and is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

In this piece, Degas showcases his skill in portraying movement, which is a trademark characteristic of Impressionism. The woman in the painting sits on white towels spread over a wicker chair, with her back to the viewer. The scene is intimate yet unassuming, making the painting feel like a snapshot of an everyday moment. It is worth noting that Woman Drying Herself after the Bath is another work by Degas that explores a similar subject.

Degas is considered one of the pioneers of the Impressionist movement, and Girl Drying Herself is a great example of his mastery of the style. The painting shows his ability to convey the subtleties of human movement and emotion using soft pastel colors. Overall, Girl Drying Herself is an excellent example of Impressionist artwork, and it remains an appreciated piece among art enthusiasts and historians today.

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