Head of a Young Roman Girl 1856

Edgar Degas made this drawing of a young woman, using graphite on paper, sometime in the late nineteenth century. At first glance, this may appear to be just a simple sketch, but look closer, and you'll see a mastery of the material. Degas coaxes a range of tonalities from the graphite, from the soft shadows defining her face to the darker, more emphatic lines of her hair. The choice of graphite as a medium is key, here. It allowed Degas to work quickly, capturing a fleeting moment with impressive economy. But it also speaks to the status of drawing at the time. It was used to create preparatory studies and sketches, works often considered secondary to painting. Degas elevates drawing to the level of high art, showcasing the beauty and expressiveness of this seemingly humble medium. By doing so, he challenges the traditional hierarchy between different artistic practices, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in even the simplest of drawings.