Bust of a Woman

Edgar Degas’s Bust of a Woman (c.1880–c.1885) exemplifies the artist’s mastery within the Impressionism movement, blending innovative technique with intimate portrayal. The work functions as a sketch and study, capturing the subtle nuances of the female form with immediacy and sensitivity. Degas employs pastel to create rich textures and delicate tonal variations, emphasizing light and atmosphere over detailed realism. This focused study of a woman’s bust highlights Degas’s interest in exploring human expression and structure, offering a refined example of his approach to portraiture during this period.