Little Girl Carrying Flowers in Her Apron 1862

Edgar Degas painted this oil on canvas entitled, Little Girl Carrying Flowers in Her Apron, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Degas was part of the French impressionist movement, and came from a wealthy family, but he was drawn to portraying the working class. Here, the girl’s simple dress and delicate features hint at the complex and often contradictory ideals of femininity in the 19th century. The flowers she carries add another layer, symbolizing innocence and vulnerability. The girl’s expression and pose evoke a sense of performance, almost as if she's aware of being watched. Degas sought to capture fleeting moments. His focus on movement, and the use of light, reflect a desire to depict the world as it’s immediately experienced. Degas’ work asks us to consider the roles we play, the performances we give, and the subtle ways society shapes identity.