Retiring

Retiring is a pivotal drawing by the French master Edgar Degas, 1834-1917, executed between 1879 and 1888. This work exemplifies Degas's revolutionary handling of the pastel medium during his late career. Created using dry pastel meticulously applied with the technique of stumping for blending and softening edges, the piece utilizes cream wove paper that was subsequently laid down on board for stability. The unusually long period of execution suggests that the artist was deeply engaged in refining the composition, perhaps utilizing this drawing as a study or revising it over time to achieve the complex textural effects that distinguish his late period work.

Degas, though often associated with Impressionism, maintained a distinct focus on line, composition, and the representation of modern life in 19th-century France. Unlike many contemporaries who sought effects captured in the open air, Degas excelled at observing and depicting fleeting, intimate moments, particularly those involving dancers, laundresses, and bathers away from the public eye. This piece reflects his ongoing investigation into movement and the human form, rendered through layers of dense, vibrant color inherent to the pastel medium.

As a significant example of drawing within his extensive body of work, Retiring showcases the artist's dedication to preparatory methods and his complete mastery of dry media. Because many important works by Degas from this era are now in the public domain, art enthusiasts often seek high-quality prints of this seminal work, highlighting its enduring influence on subsequent generations of artists. This definitive drawing is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a cornerstone of their comprehensive holdings of 19th-century French culture.