Woman Reclining on Her Bed c. 1885

Edgar Degas made this monotype, Woman Reclining on Her Bed, in France, and most likely in the late 1870s. The print provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman, perhaps a prostitute, caught in a moment of repose. The dark, moody atmosphere is achieved through the monotype technique, allowing Degas to create a unique, almost photographic effect. The choice of subject matter, combined with the suggestive, shadowy rendering, reflects the cultural context of 19th-century Paris, where the representation of women, and especially those on the margins of society, became a recurring theme in art and literature. Degas was a keen observer of modern life, and often depicted scenes from brothels and theaters, places where social norms were tested and challenged. Historical sources, like police records or sociological surveys, would offer a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped Degas's artistic vision. The power of art lies in its ability to reflect and question the values and structures of its time, inviting us to reconsider our own.