The artwork “At the Milliner’s” was created by Edgar Degas in 1883, employing the medium of pastel to create this impressionist piece. The dimensions of the work are 76 x 85 cm, and it is characterized as a genre painting. The artwork is housed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, in Madrid, Spain, reflecting Degas’ interest in contemporary life and the theme of millinery that arises in several of his works.
The painting depicts two women in the interior of a hat shop, exuding the intimate, casual, and spontaneous characteristics indicative of Impressionist works. The woman on the right is seated and trying on a stylish black hat, angling it with her hand, possibly considering her reflection in a mirror out of frame. The focus on her securing the hat adds a sense of immediacy to the scene. Her attire and the elegant hat suggest a sense of fashion and affluence associated with Parisian life at the time. The woman on the left is partially depicted and appears to be examining a hat held aloft, possibly an assistant helping with the selection process.
The artwork is vibrant with color, texture, and light, capturing the essence of the moment with swift brushstrokes and a keen eye for detail. The pastel medium allows for a softness and a blending of colors that contribute to the overall atmospheric effect, a hallmark of Degas’ mastery of pastels and his contribution to the Impressionist movement.
