The Old Italian Woman
- Original dimensions
- 61 x 74.9 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1857
Scene depicted
In this painting, Degas presents us with an old Italian woman, her gaze imbued with melancholy. The composition highlights the dignity of this figure, resonating with a harmonious balance between shadows and light. The folds of her clothing and her worn hands tell the story of a life, a journey, echoing the universal human experience.
Historical context
Created in 1857, this painting evokes the vibrant artistic Paris of the time. The canvas is at the heart of the Impressionist movement, reflecting an era that celebrated everyday life and the raw emotion of its characters. Currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art , this canvas , measuring 61 x 74.9 cm, is part of a tradition where light and movement are celebrated.
Place in the artist's career
The Old Italian Woman represents a significant milestone in Degas's career, embodying his quest for truth and human emotion. Through works like The Dancer at the Bar and Study of a Woman , we can observe the evolution of his style, a maturation that leads him to this painting imbued with sensitivity.
Anecdote
Edgar Degas once stated: “Art is what makes life more interesting than art.” This pictorial work is the result of an innocent stroll through the streets of Paris, where a weathered face, marked by age and experience, caught his eye. This fleeting moment is captured in the painting , offering an unparalleled depth of soul.