The artwork “Woman at Her Toilette” by Edgar Degas, dated to 1876 – 1877, is a pastel work that is part of the Impressionism movement. It falls under the genre of nude painting (nu) and is currently housed at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, United States.
The image portrays a woman engaged in her personal grooming routine, a common subject in Degas’ oeuvre that reflects the Impressionist interest in modern life and daily activities. The woman stands with her back to the viewer, reaching out towards a basin on a dresser. The naturalism of the scene is complemented by the use of light and shadow to emphasize the form and texture of the woman’s body and the intimate space she occupies. The room is depicted with a variety of textures and patterns, from the striped wallpaper to the crumpled bedding in the foreground and the patterned rug on the floor. Degas has masterfully balanced detail and softness, characteristic of his skillful handling of pastels, to capture a fleeting moment in time, providing insight into private, everyday moments.
