The artwork “Combing the Hair,” created by Edgar Degas, dates from approximately 1896 to 1900. This piece is executed in oil on canvas and is part of the Impressionism movement, classified as genre painting. It is currently housed at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork exhibits Degas’ characteristic soft yet vivid use of color and light, presenting a private moment between two figures engaged in the intimate act of grooming. The composition features two women; one seated, bending forward while a standing woman combs through her vibrant red hair. The figures are rendered with loose brushstrokes that emphasize the movement and texture, a hallmark of the Impressionist style which seeks to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. The background is muted with warm tones, creating a shallow space that focuses the viewer’s attention on the subjects. The contrast between the rich hue of the hair and the subtlety of the remaining palette reveals Degas’ mastery of color and his ability to convey mood and narrative through visual means.
