After the Bath (large version) 1891 - 1892

Edgar Degas made this drawing, After the Bath, in the late 19th century using charcoal and stumping on paper. The composition presents a domestic scene dominated by textured shades of grey, creating an intimate, almost voyeuristic experience. Degas's radical approach is evident in the drawing’s structure. He destabilizes traditional figure drawing by using a semiotic system where the model is observed from above, fragmented and de-centered. This perspective challenges conventional portraiture and engages with then-new ways of thinking about space and perception. The rough strokes and unfinished areas challenge established aesthetic values. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and tension, enhancing the immediacy of the subject. The figure is caught in a private moment, emphasizing the transient nature of modern life. This functions as a commentary on the representation of women and domesticity within the broader cultural discourse of 19th-century art.