Study of a Female Nude

Study of a Female Nude is a foundational drawing created by Edgar Degas between 1856 and 1858. Executed primarily in graphite on wove paper, this early piece exemplifies the rigorous academic training Degas underwent during the mid-19th century. Dating from the critical period spanning 1851 to 1875, the drawing reveals the artist's early focus on mastering human anatomy and form, a necessary precursor to his later studies of modern movement and light.

As a preparatory study, the work focuses intensely on the contours and volume of the figure. Degas utilized the graphite medium to establish precise lines and subtle modeling, emphasizing anatomical accuracy over narrative or emotive expression. This methodical technique reflects the exacting standards of traditional art education in Paris, though Degas already demonstrated a keen observational skill that would define his future contributions to French art. The drawing represents the technical skill that underpinned his transformation from an aspiring history painter into a leading figure of the Realist movement.

This important graphic work provides valuable insight into the developmental phase of the artist’s career. The drawing currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., contributing significantly to the global understanding of Degas’s artistic practice. Due to the age of the piece and its enduring artistic value, this study is often available in the public domain, allowing institutions and researchers to access and reproduce high-quality prints for scholarly study and public appreciation.