Portrait of a Woman Wearing a Green Blouse 1884

Edgar Degas captured this woman with pastel on paper. The most striking element here is the thoughtful pose, a hand gently supporting the chin. This gesture, so simple, speaks volumes. We see echoes of it in countless works throughout history – from ancient depictions of philosophers in contemplation to Rodin's "The Thinker." This motif transcends time. It has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. Consider the Renaissance, where such a pose might signify intellectual prowess or divine inspiration. Here, in Degas's work, it takes on a more introspective, personal quality. The gesture taps into our collective memory and subconscious understanding of contemplation, inviting viewers to project their own emotions and thoughts onto the subject. It is a powerful force, engaging us on a deep level. A cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different contexts.