Leaving the Bath

Leaving the Bath by Edgar Degas, created between 1879 and 1880, is a compelling example of the artist’s prolific and experimental work in graphic arts. This French piece belongs squarely within the 1876 to 1900 period, a time when Degas was intensely focused on capturing scenes of modern life, particularly the unposed moments in the private sphere of women. The work was meticulously executed using the challenging intaglio techniques of drypoint and aquatint on wove paper.

The choice of drypoint lends a characteristic burr and velvety line quality, while the aquatint provides rich tonal variation and shadow, crucial for capturing the intimate atmosphere of the scene. Degas focused on figures caught in moments of unselfconscious activity, shifting the emphasis from idealized nudes of classical art to authentic studies of contemporary actions and gestures. This intense focus on private rituals, such as bathing and grooming, was a recurring theme for Degas during the latter decades of the 19th century, reinforcing his position as a crucial figure linking Realism and Impressionism.

Unlike his famous oil paintings or pastels, Degas approached his prints with a highly rigorous and experimental method, treating the plate as an independent creative avenue rather than just a preparatory step. This piece illustrates the artist's dedication to graphic media, producing detailed prints that emphasize form and silhouette through dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This particular work is a significant contribution to the development of artistic prints during the late 19th century. The piece is currently held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Thanks to the legacy of this celebrated master, high-resolution images of these historic prints are often available through the public domain for ongoing study and appreciation.