Madame de Rutté
- Original dimensions
- 51.7 x 62.2 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1875
Scene depicted
The painting “Madame de Rutté” reveals a moment captured in the daily life of a high-society woman. Degas highlights the delicacy of the drapery and the elegance of the posture, immersing us in the intimacy of a moment that seems suspended in time. The work questions not only external beauty but also the soul and emotions of its subject.
Historical context
Created in 1875 in Paris, the painting “Madame de Rutté” is set against the bubbling context of the Impressionist movement. At the heart of the Belle Époque, this canvas captures the elegance of women of the time and the nuances of a society in full transformation. Although the painting is currently untraceable in public collections, it continues to fascinate art lovers thanks to its captivating dimensions.
Place in the artist's career
This canvas marks a turning point in Degas's career, reflecting his evolving style. At this time, he forges a powerful artistic identity, also illustrated in his flagship works such as “L'Absinthe” and “The Dance Class.” “Madame de Rutté” stands out for its ability to combine traditional techniques and modern elements, reinforcing Degas's place among the masters of the 19th century.
Anecdote
“I do not paint what I see, but what I feel,” could have said Edgar Degas as he sketched this masterpiece . It was on a gentle spring morning, as the scent of flowers mingled with the whispers of elegantly dressed women in the streets of Paris, that the artist found inspiration to immortalize the grace of Madame de Rutté.