The artwork titled “Woman with Loose Red Hair” was created by the renowned artist Edgar Degas in 1898. This oil on canvas is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, known for its portrayal of light and motion as well as everyday scenes. As a genre painting, it illustrates a scene from daily life without any historical, religious, or mythological references. This particular piece is part of a private collection, thus it is not on public display.
The artwork captures the essence of Impressionism through its loose brushwork and the use of light and color. The subject, a woman, is depicted with an informal pose, her auburn hair loosely cascading down her back and shoulders. The choice of earthy tones for her attire contrasts with the muted background, which is rendered in a softer palette of whites and blues, possibly suggesting a diffuse sky or a blank wall. The composition is devoid of intricate detail, which allows for an emphasis on the interplay between color and light, a technique commonly employed by Degas and his contemporaries to convey a momentary glimpse into the subject’s life. The figure’s gesture, her arms crossed, adds to the sense of casual intimacy that characterizes genre paintings. This artwork reflects Degas’ exploration of the human figure in space and his interest in capturing the spontaneous moments of life within the broader context of the Impressionist ethos.
