Bust of a Woman with a Feathered Hat
- Original dimensions
- 31.8 x 36.8 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1887
Scene depicted
In this painting , Degas offers us a captivating portrait of a refined woman. The composition highlights her elegance and striking allure, captured at the moment she seems ready to take flight towards a life full of promises. The meticulous details of her hat, with its delicate feathers, contrast with the softness of her face, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
Historical context
This painting , created in 1887 during the artistic effervescence of Paris, is part of the Impressionist movement, where artists seek to capture the modernity of their time. Presented in the art salons of the era, this canvas reflects the aspirations of the painters of the time, resolutely focused on expressing modern life. Although it does not have a fixed exhibition location today, its impact continues to resonate in the art world.
Place in the artist's career
Bust of a Woman with Feathered Hat represents an important milestone in Degas's career. At this time, the artist was refining his style by exploring movement and the expression of human figures. In parallel, works like “The Dancers” and “The Ballet” showcase his ability to combine technique and emotion, making this canvas a beautiful example of his evolution towards a more introspective style.
Anecdote
“Beauty lies in movement.” Such were Degas's words as he let himself be inspired one sunny morning in Paris, observing the grace of an elegant woman in the street, a hat adorned with feathers on her head. This fleeting moment, imbued with emotional intensity, gave life to this masterpiece , where each brushstroke recalls the lightness of the instant.