Four Heads of Women

"Four Heads of Women" by Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917) is a notable example of the artist's experimentation with graphic mediums during a period of intense innovation in 19th-century French art. Executed as a lithograph in black on off-white wove paper between 1876 and 1877, this print showcases Degas’s evolving interest in portraiture and drawing outside of his more typical pastel and oil work. During this era in France, the print medium offered artists a flexible and immediate way to explore compositional studies, often resulting in works that feel intimately exploratory.

The composition consists of four distinct studies of women's faces, rendered in stark black lines and rich tonal contrasts characteristic of the lithograph technique. These heads are observational sketches, emphasizing the quick movement and expressive potential of the drawing tool. Degas frequently used such studies to capture fleeting expressions, varied lighting, or potential characterizations for larger projects. Unlike the polished surfaces often favored by academic institutions, this piece highlights the spontaneous process and the textured, granular effect achieved by the artist when working directly on the lithographic stone.

This piece demonstrates Degas's dedication to the revitalization of printmaking techniques during the Impressionist era, proving that his innovation extended far beyond painting and sculpture. His mastery of graphics solidifies his standing among the greatest French artists of the 19th century. The work resides within the extensive collection of prints and drawings held by the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a significant example of the artist's graphic output.