Woman Drying Her Foot

Woman Drying Her Foot by Edgar Degas, executed between 1885 and 1886, is a masterful drawing rendered in pastel on buff wove paper, which is affixed to its original pulpboard mount. This mixed technique allowed Degas to combine the linear structure associated with drawing with the rich, luminous color saturation typically found in painting. The classification of this piece as a drawing underscores the artist's focus on dynamic line and form, achieved through the skillful layering of chalk pigments.

Throughout the 1880s, Degas focused intensely on scenes of intimate feminine hygiene and bathing. Rejecting the tradition of idealized classical beauty, he instead captured the nude figure in momentary, private poses, often from unusual vantage points that suggest the woman is unaware she is being observed. Here, the figure is shown bent over in an awkward yet highly realistic pose, emphasizing the effort and geometry of the body rather than graceful composure. Degas utilized bold, hatched strokes of pastel, building up tonal variations to define the musculature, shadows, and interior setting.

This compelling composition is characteristic of Degas’s dedication to modern realism and his persistent rejection of academic standards. The observational focus on the subject of Female Nudes in a domestic context firmly places this work within the high point of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist exploration of contemporary life. This significant piece is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. As a seminal work from the late nineteenth century, it remains widely studied, and high-quality prints of Woman Drying Her Foot are frequently utilized for educational purposes, with many versions available via public domain art resources.