The artwork titled “Woman Drying Her Hair” is a creation by Edgar Degas, a renowned artist associated with the Impressionism movement. Crafted between approximately 1893 and 1898, this piece was executed using pastel, a medium favored by Degas in his later years for its vivid hues and textural qualities. The genre of the artwork is nude painting (nu), capturing an intimate moment in the daily life of a woman. This work is part of the collection at the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted in a state of undress, drying her hair. The composition focuses on the grace of her form, with her back turned toward the viewer, and her body slightly hunched as she reaches up to her hair. The use of pastel allows Degas to blend colors directly on the paper, giving the figure a softness that is characteristic of the Impressionist style. Subtle strokes of blue, yellow, and earth tones create a warmth and depth that gives life to the subject. The background elements are minimal, ensuring the viewer’s attention remains on the figure and her seemingly candid moment. Degas’s skillful handling of light, shadow, and his loose yet deliberate pastel strokes contribute to the overall feeling of spontaneity and movement within the stillness of the scene.
