Italienne c. 1856

Edgar Degas created this watercolor work, "Italienne," using fluid brushstrokes and a muted palette. The composition is dominated by the figure of a woman, positioned in near profile against a subtly gradated background that suggests depth. The application of transparent layers creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, imbuing the subject with a sense of immediacy. Degas captures the sitter with sensitivity, exploring the relationship between form and identity. The woman's traditional attire and her somewhat melancholic expression are rendered through loose, gestural marks, and this allows the essence of her character to emerge. The layering of colours helps to create the fabric, where each shade is a deliberate mark that invites our interpretation. Note the way that Degas employs the properties of watercolor to achieve a nuanced portrayal. Through the use of this medium, he constructs a vision of Italian identity and allows us to reflect on the transient nature of experience. The artist acknowledges the subjective nature of seeing and interpreting the world around us.