The artwork “Little Girl Carrying Flowers in Her Apron” is a work by Edgar Degas dated approximately between 1860 and 1862. This portrait was executed using oil on canvas and is associated with the Impressionist movement, although Degas was known for his unique approach within this style. The portrait genre piece is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a young girl in a moment of innocent charm. She stands centrally, her body slightly turned as if captured in mid-motion. The girl’s attire is indicative of the period, with delicate lace adorning the hem and sleeves of her dress. She wears a white frock embellished with red ribbon accents that create a striking contrast with her outfit and also tie in with the roses in her hair. In a playful gesture, the girl holds up the edges of her apron to form a makeshift basket, which gently cradles a collection of flowers.
With the application of loose, fluid brushstrokes that provide a sense of vibrancy and movement, Degas has mastered the effect of light playing on the fabrics and the subject’s youthful skin. The impressionistic quality is further expressed in the softened background, which fades into a non-descriptive setting, drawing the viewer’s focus squarely on the figure of the girl. The warm tones of the background lend a richness to the composition, allowing the figure to stand out with a sense of immediacy and presence. Degas’ depiction is not merely a formal portrait but a tender observation of childhood captured with a sense of spontaneity and the suggestion of a fleeting moment.
