At the Milliner
- Original dimensions
- 110.7 x 100 cm
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Year
- 1879
Scene depicted
The canvas The Milliner depicts a woman, absorbed in her thoughts, surrounded by hats and fabrics. Degas's gaze captures the very essence of the Parisian fashion world of the time, blending grace and a bustling atmosphere. The details of the fabrics, as well as the soft light filtering through the window, invite one to soak in this cozy ambiance.
Historical context
Created in 1879, in the city of Paris, The Milliner is a reflection of the Impressionist movement, from a time when art and urban life intertwined. This painting , displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago , engages the viewer in an intimate scene of impressive dimensions.
Place in the artist's career
This painting occupies a central place in Degas's career, marking a transition to a more intimate and personal approach. To be juxtaposed with The Dance at the Café and The Dancers with Pink Gloves , The Milliner reflects an evolution towards mastery of scenes of everyday life, rooted in an emotional realism .
Anecdote
Edgar Degas , while contemplating a milliner at work, is said to have murmured: "Life is full of subtle details waiting to be immortalized on canvas." That morning, he crossed paths with a delicate silhouette, lost in thought, which would nourish the palpable emotion of The Milliner .