The Jet Earring

"The Jet Earring," created by Edgar Degas between 1876 and 1877, is a fascinating example of the artist's deep, sustained commitment to experimental print media. This intimate work is a monotype printed in black ink on white wove paper, a technique Degas utilized extensively in the 1870s to capture immediate, atmospheric studies that blurred the lines between drawing and printing.

The monotype process, which involves applying ink directly to a plate and pulling a single impression, resulted in rich, velvety blacks and diffused highlights, perfectly suited for the dimly lit settings and nuanced subjects that fascinated the artist. This piece focuses intensely on the profile of a woman, emphasizing the details of her elaborate hairstyle and the solitary, circular shape of the large jet earring that provides the work its title. Degas often depicted women caught in unposed, private moments, reflecting his commitment to documenting contemporary Parisian life during the height of the Impressionist movement.

The contrast between the deep black ink representing the woman’s hair and the strong illumination on her neck isolates the reflective quality of the jewel. Through the monotype technique, Degas transforms the simple subject of costume and jewelry into a profound study of form and light.

As a significant example of the Impressionist master’s graphic output, this work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Prints such as this often highlight the draftsmanship and innovative techniques employed by Degas, ensuring that this historically important work remains widely accessible through scholarly resources and, increasingly, public domain collections.