Portrait of Marguerite Degas 19th-20th century

Edgar Degas made this portrait of Marguerite Degas with charcoal and white chalk on paper. Though seemingly simple, the drawing is a skillful display of mark-making, and the ways in which the material influences its appearance. The paper’s slight texture provides tooth for the charcoal, allowing it to grab the surface and create soft, gradated tones. These tones model Marguerite’s face, giving it volume and depth. Degas employed a reductive approach, building up layers of charcoal and then using a cloth or his fingers to smudge and blend the pigment. The white chalk adds highlights, catching the light and further defining the form. Degas’s engagement with traditional drawing techniques reflects the artistic conventions of his time. The amount of work put into this portrait demonstrates Degas’s dedication to his craft and the importance of portraying his subject with care and precision. Ultimately, by focusing on the materials and making of this portrait, we can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in its creation, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.