Women Combing Their Hair
- Original dimensions
- 18.13 x 12.75 cm
- Museum
- Phillips Collection
- Year
- 1875
Scene depicted
In Women Combing Their Hair , the scene opens on a moment of delicacy and intimacy. Degas, master of the moment, captures two women absorbed in a daily routine, offering a glimpse into their inner world. The reflections of light in their hair evoke a peaceful atmosphere, while the harmony of gestures highlights the ephemeral beauty of the action.
Historical context
Created in 1875, Degas's iconic work, Women Combing Their Hair , emanates from a time when Impressionism was redefining painted art. In Paris, the heart of artistic creativity, this painting stands out for its attention to everyday life, capturing intimate moments within the movement. Today, this precious canvas is carefully preserved at the Phillips Collection , revealing a piece of 18.13 x 12.75 cm that invites wonder.
Place in the artist's career
This [title of the painting] represents a pivotal period in Degas's career, combining refined technique and exploration of modernity themes. Compared to The Ballet Dancer and The Bellelli Family , this painting illustrates the evolution of his style, shifting from a more realistic touch to a more emotional approach, always centered on the human condition.
Anecdote
Edgar Degas once confessed: "I seek to capture the privileged moment spontaneously revealing the beauty of the moment." Inspired by soft light filtering through the windows of his studio, he painted this masterpiece with deep sensitivity, embodying the fleeting essence of femininity through the delicate gestures of women grooming themselves.