Head and Shoulders of a Young Woman in Profile I

Head and Shoulders of a Young Woman in Profile I is an intimate print created by Edgar Degas between 1874 and 1884. This work confirms the artist’s deep commitment to exploring various reproductive media beyond his renowned pastels and oils, classifying it firmly within the history of Impressionist prints. Degas utilized softground etching, a specialized intaglio technique that transfers textures or subtle crayon marks onto the plate, allowing for unique tonal variations often difficult to achieve in standard etching. The exceptionally long ten-year dating range suggests Degas revisited and refined this plate over time, typical of his meticulous, evolving approach to printmaking projects.

The subject, a young woman observed in stark profile, aligns with Degas’s enduring fascination with capturing unposed, private moments. Unlike formal portraiture, the focus here is on the contours and quiet dignity of the sitter, reflecting the era’s interest in informal studies of women while maintaining a profoundly modern sensibility. Degas frequently used print media to isolate and study figures, using the delicate line quality achievable through the softground process to enhance the psychological presence of the subject. The resulting composition highlights the subtle shift in light across the figure’s face and neck, rendered primarily through line rather than mass.

The finished state of the piece is specifically documented as an impression taken from a "canceled plate." In the tradition of printmaking, plates are canceled- or intentionally scored- once the artist or publisher determines that no further editions should be pulled, securing the rarity and integrity of the limited impressions created previously. This print is held within the comprehensive collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering valuable insight into the technical versatility of Degas. As part of the museum's commitment to accessibility, high-quality images of this print are often made available through public domain resources.