Woman at a Window 1872

Edgar Degas painted "Woman at a Window" using oil on canvas in France, but we do not know exactly when. The woman’s gaze is directed outside the frame, perhaps alluding to the limitations imposed on women within the domestic sphere in 19th-century France. During this time, societal expectations largely confined women to the home, and their roles were often limited to managing the household and raising children. Degas lived during a period of significant social and political change, including the rise of feminism and increasing demands for women's rights. By depicting a woman in a moment of introspection, looking out at the world, Degas may be commenting on the shifting roles and expectations of women in his society. To better understand the painting, you could explore writings and historical accounts of women's lives in 19th-century France to uncover the ways in which social, economic, and political forces shaped their experiences.