Study of a Singer 1878 - 1880

"Study of a Singer" (1878-1880) by Edgar Degas is a charcoal drawing that captures the essence of movement and expression. This study depicts a female singer in mid-performance, her body contorted in a dynamic pose as she delivers her vocalization. Degas, renowned for his depictions of dancers, employed loose, gestural lines to convey a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The emphasis on capturing movement, emotion, and fleeting moments is characteristic of Degas's artistic style and demonstrates his keen observation of human performance. The drawing, housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Degas's mastery of drawing and his ability to capture the energy and dynamism of the human figure.