Edgar Degas – The Singer in Green Metropolitan Museum: part 2

Here we observe a figure presented in pastel, seemingly captured mid-performance or contemplation. The subject is a woman, likely a vocalist given the implied theatrical setting and her posture. She stands with one hand resting gently on her hip, while her gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the left, suggesting an inward focus or perhaps engagement with something beyond the immediate frame.
The color palette dominates the visual experience. A vibrant turquoise-green forms the backdrop, creating a cool contrast against the warmer tones of the woman’s attire. Her dress displays a complex interplay of orange, yellow, and teal hues, applied in loose, expressive strokes that contribute to a sense of movement and texture. The artist employed a limited range of colors, yet achieved considerable visual richness through their juxtaposition and layering.
The figures skin tone is rendered with subtle gradations, hinting at the play of light across her face and upper body. Her hair, a shade of reddish-brown, appears loosely styled, further reinforcing an impression of naturalness rather than rigid formality. The delicate blue ribbon around her neck adds a touch of refinement to the overall composition.
The background is not sharply defined; it dissolves into a hazy atmosphere created by the pastel application. This lack of precise detail directs attention towards the central figure and contributes to a sense of intimacy, as if we are witnessing a private moment within a larger performance.
Subtly, there’s an element of melancholy present. The womans expression is not overtly joyful; rather, it conveys a quiet introspection that hints at the complexities of her profession or perhaps a deeper emotional state. The loose application of pastel and the blurred background suggest a fleeting moment, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of performance and the transient lives often associated with the stage. The work seems to explore themes of solitude, beauty, and the vulnerability inherent in public display.