Torso: Woman Rubbing Her Back with a Sponge 1883 - 1920

This bronze torso by Edgar Degas, now at the Met, feels like it came directly from the earth itself. The surface is so worked, built up with these tiny marks and gestures that accumulate into a powerful, sensual form. The patina, with its mottled surface, enhances the sense of touch. You can almost feel the artist's hands shaping the clay, pressing and pulling, creating a landscape of textures. Look closely at the back where the woman’s arm reaches up, there’s a rawness there. It’s so direct, it's like the idea of the body being formed right in front of you. Degas, who was so interested in the body in motion, especially dancers, had a real kinship with Rodin. Both were interested in capturing fleeting moments, but also the underlying energy of the human form. This piece is a reminder that art is as much about the process as it is about the final product. It is a conversation with the material world and an exploration of the endless possibilities of form.