Nude in a Tub 1884

Edgar Degas made this pastel drawing, Nude in a Tub, in France sometime in the late 19th century. The impressionist artists like Degas were interested in representing modern life, and this included a more intimate view of women. The subject here is a woman bathing, caught in a private, unguarded moment. You can see Degas's interest in capturing the fleeting effects of light and movement in the way he renders the water and the woman's skin. But it's also important to consider the social context in which this image was made. In 19th-century France, the female nude was a common subject in art, but it was usually presented in a idealized or mythological way. Degas is doing something different here by showing a modern woman in a mundane setting. To fully understand this artwork, it would be helpful to research the changing role of women in French society at this time. We could also look at the history of hygiene and bathing practices, as well as the development of the art market and the increasing demand for images of modern life. By understanding the social and institutional context in which it was made, we can better appreciate the meaning and significance of this artwork.