Seated Woman in Bonnet and Shawl 1874 - 1884

Edgar Degas's "Seated Woman in Bonnet and Shawl" (1874-1884) is a striking example of his use of monotype, a unique printing technique. The print depicts a seated woman, partially obscured, with a bonnet and shawl, rendered in shadowy strokes and abstract forms. Degas's signature interest in movement and fleeting moments is evident in the fragmented figure, suggesting a gesture interrupted or a glimpse caught in passing. The hazy, atmospheric quality of the print adds a sense of intimacy and introspection, capturing the essence of his subject rather than a precise likeness. The piece is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.