Woman Having Her Hair Combed

Description

Woman Having Her Hair Combed by Edgar Degas turns an everyday act of grooming into an intimate study of gesture and color. Seated on a towel-covered chair, the woman tilts her head back while a standing companion gathers her hair. The curve of her raised elbow and the relaxed position of her legs give the scene a quiet, unposed rhythm.

Rich yellow-green upholstery, blue shadows and the companion’s warm coral clothing surround the softly modeled figure. Visible pastel strokes keep the surface lively, while the close viewpoint draws attention to touch, texture and the small movements of a private moment.