Edgar Degas – Girl Drying Herself National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The pastel drawing presents a figure engaged in a private moment – the act of drying herself after immersion. The subject is positioned with her back towards the viewer, emphasizing the vulnerability and intimacy inherent in this everyday ritual. Her body, rendered in muted earth tones, displays a naturalism that avoids idealization; the contours are soft yet defined, suggesting both strength and fragility.
The composition is dominated by the figure’s posture: she stands slightly hunched, her shoulders rounded as if shielding herself from observation. A large towel, loosely draped over her back and shoulders, obscures much of her upper body while simultaneously highlighting the curve of her spine and buttocks. The artists choice to depict this area so prominently contributes to a sense of immediacy and unguardedness.
The setting appears to be outdoors, indicated by the verdant green foliage that forms the backdrop. This natural environment contrasts with the inherent privacy of the action, creating a subtle tension between exposure and concealment. A dark blue cloth lies on the ground at her feet, possibly another towel or garment, adding depth to the scene.
The artist’s use of pastel lends a delicate quality to the work. The strokes are visible, contributing to a sense of spontaneity and capturing the fleeting nature of the moment. The color palette is restrained, with greens, yellows, and browns dominating, further reinforcing the naturalistic setting and the subjects earthy physicality.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of privacy, vulnerability, and the female body. It avoids any overt narrative or moral judgment, instead presenting a simple observation of human behavior. The viewer is positioned as an unseen observer, invited to contemplate the quiet dignity and inherent beauty of this private act. Theres a sense of arrested motion; the moment feels suspended in time, inviting reflection on the transient nature of experience and the power of seemingly ordinary moments.