Portrait of a Lady in Grey 1865

"Portrait of a Lady in Grey" (1865) by Edgar Degas is a striking example of his early work, displaying his transition from historical painting towards a more modern style. The painting showcases a woman in a pale grey dress, her figure half-turned towards the viewer, her face slightly obscured by a black shawl and a black bonnet adorned with a delicate pink flower. Degas, renowned for his depictions of dancers, subtly captures the subject's quiet elegance through the soft brushstrokes and muted color palette, creating a sense of intimacy and contemplation.