Woman Reading a Book c. 1879

Edgar Degas's "Woman Reading a Book" (c. 1879) is a striking charcoal drawing that captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The woman, depicted in profile, is lost in her reading, her face obscured by the book held close to her chest. Degas's masterful use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and volume, making the figure appear almost three-dimensional. The loose, expressive style of the drawing is characteristic of Degas's work, particularly his studies of dancers and other figures in motion. This piece, however, showcases his ability to capture stillness and introspection. The overall composition is simple yet elegant, drawing the viewer's eye to the woman's focused gaze and the subtle interplay of light and shadow on her form.