Edgar Degas – Woman Combing Her Hair, 1894 Sotheby’s

Here we observe a pastel drawing depicting a woman engaged in a private, intimate act – combing her hair. The composition is dominated by the figures elongated form and cascading hair, which occupies nearly the entire vertical space of the frame. She stands facing away from the viewer, her body angled slightly towards the left, creating a sense of casualness and immediacy.
The artist employed a muted palette, primarily consisting of soft pinks, creams, yellows, and touches of blue. This limited color range contributes to an overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation and introspection. The application of pastel is loose and expressive; strokes are visible, lending the work a sketch-like quality that suggests spontaneity and observation rather than meticulous rendering.
The woman’s attire appears minimal – a simple robe or gown, rendered in pale tones, clings loosely to her form. This lack of detail draws attention to the physicality of the figure and emphasizes the vulnerability inherent in this solitary moment. The hair itself is treated with particular care; its length and texture are conveyed through layered strokes of pastel, creating a luminous effect that contrasts with the more subdued rendering of the body.
The background is indistinct, a wash of pale pink that further isolates the woman and focuses attention on her actions. This lack of contextual detail contributes to the sense of privacy and intimacy. The absence of any discernible setting allows for a broader interpretation; she could be anywhere, at any time, engaged in this simple ritual.
Subtly, the work explores themes of femininity, self-reflection, and private moments. The act of combing hair is presented not as an act of vanity but as a quiet gesture of self-care and contemplation. Theres a melancholic quality to the scene; the woman’s averted gaze suggests a withdrawal from the world, a turning inward. The drawing evokes a sense of fleeting beauty and the ephemeral nature of everyday moments. It is less about portraying a specific individual and more about capturing a universal experience – the quiet solitude of personal ritual.