Women Combing Their Hair
circa 1875-1876
Edgar Degas invites us into a surprisingly intimate scene where three women are completely absorbed in combing their long, dark hair. Dressed in simple white slips, they stand, sit, and recline against a warm, sandy background that looks almost like a beach, though the setting remains delightfully ambiguous. The sketchy, unfinished edges are a hallmark of his Impressionist style, showing us that Degas cared more about capturing a fleeting, private moment than creating a perfectly polished portrait. It’s a rare, voyeuristic peek into the daily rituals of women, far away from the spotlight of his famous ballet dancers.
Location: National Gallery, London
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