Study of Hands 1860

Edgar Degas's *Study of Hands* (1860) is a small-scale oil painting depicting a close-up view of a woman's hands. Degas, known for his depictions of dancers and women, focused on the anatomical detail of hands in this work, highlighting their form and gesture. The painting, housed in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris, is an example of Degas's early exploration of the human figure, foreshadowing his later mastery of capturing movement and expression through the body. This work demonstrates Degas's interest in the human form and his ability to convey emotional states through the subtle nuances of gesture.