The artwork “After Bathing, Woman Drying Her Leg” is a pastel creation by the artist Edgar Degas, dating back to 1893. This work is emblematic of the Impressionist movement and belongs to the genre of nude painting (nu). Currently, the artwork is housed in a private collection, not on public display.
The pastel on paper artwork depicts an intimate scene of a woman drying her leg after bathing, a subject that Degas frequently explored, capturing private moments with a candid and almost voyeuristic approach. The composition is notable for its unusual perspective and cropping, focusing attention on the curvature of the woman’s back, the bend of her leg, and the contrast of textures. Her figure is rendered with fluid, energetic lines and a warm, vibrant palette typical of Degas’ later works.
Degas’ skillful use of light and shadow creates a tactile sense of the woman’s form against the softer, diffused background, and the pastels imbue the scene with softness and luminosity. This artwork encapsulates Degas’ fascination with the human figure and his commitment to exploring the beauty of everyday moments through a daring and innovative visual language.
