Italian Woman

The drawing Italian Woman by Edgar Degas, executed between 1851 and 1862, offers a revealing glimpse into the artist’s early, formative studies of figure drawing. Rendered primarily in graphite with delicate washes of watercolor on laid paper, this piece demonstrates the characteristic precision Degas applied even in preliminary sketches. The technique of combining finely detailed pencil work with light, atmospheric coloring was common for studies executed during his extended travels, allowing him to capture the subtle tones and underlying structure of the sitter rapidly.

Degas spent significant periods in Italy during the late 1850s, immersing himself in the study of Old Masters and contemporary life. The choice of graphite and watercolor on portable laid paper suggests this figure study was created while traveling, likely capturing a local woman. This early concentration on individual women reflects a core interest that would define his entire oeuvre; the meticulous rendering of the head and shoulders serves as an exploration into the character and posture of the subject. The simplicity of the composition belies the observational skill of Degas, showcasing the foundation of his later mastery of movement and form.

This important early work is held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified as a drawing essential to understanding the development of the artist’s pictorial ideas. As a seminal figure in the transition to Impressionism, Degas’s works are frequently reproduced, and the classification of this piece ensures its availability for academic study. Its status within the public domain means high-quality prints and detailed reference materials are accessible globally, allowing students and enthusiasts to study the exceptional draughtsmanship of the young master.