Head of a Woman in Profile 1879 - 1880

Edgar Degas made this print, “Head of a Woman in Profile,” using etching and aquatint. Degas lived and worked in France during a time of great social change. This piece gives us an intimate view into the artist's engagement with the representation of women. We see a woman rendered with a soft, almost dreamlike quality, her profile is gentle, yet the stark lines and monochromatic tones evoke a sense of melancholy. The cracking effect gives the piece an aged or worn quality. Does this piece celebrate femininity, or does it, perhaps, subtly critique the societal expectations placed upon women? Consider the woman’s gaze. It isn't confrontational or inviting, but rather inward, contemplative. How does this contribute to the narrative Degas constructs around her identity? This work invites us to reflect on the complexities of female representation during the late 19th century, and the emotional interiority of women.