Italienne c. 1856

Edgar Degas's watercolor "Italienne," created around 1856, captures the essence of a traditional Italian woman. The subject, clad in a vibrant blue jacket and a flowing green skirt, is depicted standing with a red shawl draped over her head. Degas's masterful use of watercolor conveys the delicate textures of her garments and the subtle nuances of her facial expressions. This piece exemplifies Degas's early exploration of figure studies, foreshadowing his later fascination with the human form and its movement.