Edgar Degas’ artwork titled “Tuileries, the woman with a parasol,” created in 1877, epitomizes the impressionist movement through its vivid play of light and loose brushwork. This oil on canvas portrait has dimensions of 27 x 20 cm and forms part of the genre of portraiture. The artwork is currently housed in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow, UK, contributing to the rich tapestry of impressionist works held in public and private collections around the world.
The artwork portrays a woman in profile, gazing downward with a parasol propped over her shoulder that creates a canopy of shade over her figure. Her features are softly defined, capturing the essence of her visage rather than precise details, a hallmark of impressionist technique. The background is composed of gentle brushstrokes that suggest the light and atmosphere of the outdoors, characteristic of many of Degas’ open-air scenes.
The palette is restrained, emphasizing earth tones and understated contrasts, with the exception of the parasol’s dark hue, which anchors the composition. The brushwork is visible and dynamic, contributing to the sense of a fleeting moment captured on canvas. The intimacy and subtlety of the artwork exemplify Degas’ skill in rendering the intricacies of human expression and the impacts of natural light on form and color.
