The Tub c. 1889

Edgar Degas's *The Tub* is a small-scale sculpture from c. 1889, depicting a nude female figure lying in a tub. Degas, known for his depictions of dancers and bathers, often explored themes of the human body in motion and at rest. The sculpture's rough, unfinished surface and the figure's contorted pose emphasize the fleeting moment and the naturalism of the subject, reflecting Degas's interest in capturing everyday life. The sculpture's small size and intimate scale invite a close viewing and emphasize the vulnerability of the figure. *The Tub* is a characteristic example of Degas's late work, which explored new techniques and materials, moving beyond the confines of traditional sculpture.