The artwork titled “Seated Woman in a White Dress” is a creation of the artist Edgar Degas, dating from circa 1888 to 1892. Executed in pastel on board, the piece measures 72 x 49 cm and is categorised as a genre painting within the Impressionism movement. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted seated in a profile view, turned slightly to the right. The details of her features are not sharply defined, which is characteristic of Degas’ style and the Impressionist genre, focusing more on the play of light and color than on precise anatomical details. The woman’s white dress is rendered with soft, feathery strokes that capture the texture and drape of the fabric. The color palette is predominantly muted, with shades of white, brown, and blue, but the dress is accented by darker tones that suggest folds and shadow. The red hat adds a vibrant touch, drawing the viewer’s eye with its boldness in contrast to the otherwise subdued colors. The background is abstract and loosely defined, contributing to the focus on the figure and her immediate surroundings. The overall atmosphere of the piece is intimate and contemplative, typical of Degas’ explorations into the subtleties of light and human form.
