At the Milliner's 1882

Editor: This is Degas' "At the Milliner's" from 1882, currently at MoMA. It’s a pastel and charcoal drawing that shows two women in a shop, seemingly absorbed in examining hats. I’m struck by how intimate it feels, almost like a stolen glance. What do you see in this piece, beyond the surface? Curator: Beyond the intimate setting, it's important to remember that Degas was deeply interested in depicting modern life, particularly the lives of working women in Paris. Think about what a milliner's shop represented in the late 19th century: a space of commerce, creativity, and female sociability. The careful composition directs our gaze, doesn’t it? We're not given a full view, almost as though we’re participating in a private moment. How might this relate to broader societal views of women at the time? Editor: That's interesting. So the cropped composition isn't just an aesthetic choice, it reflects how women were perceived— partially visible, observed rather than fully understood? Curator: Precisely. Moreover, consider the politics of display here. Degas chose to depict this private, commercial exchange at a time when the role of women in the public sphere was intensely debated. The image, by representing them working and engaging with commerce, enters into this socio-political argument, subtly validating female economic activity. Where were paintings such as this usually exhibited at this time? And who was the intended audience? Editor: Hmm, galleries, probably? Wealthy patrons interested in modern life? Curator: Exactly. So, what does it tell us that this slice of Parisian life found its place within those elite spaces, inviting discussion and observation? Editor: I hadn’t really considered how the setting and the intended audience played such a big role in understanding the work's deeper meaning. Thanks! Curator: It's crucial to see these paintings not just as pretty pictures, but as reflections of power dynamics and social attitudes. Hopefully, this gives you a better grasp of the politics of imagery and display in the art world of the time!