Study for a Portrait of Mathilde Salle 1887 - 1920

This is Edgar Degas's 'Study for a Portrait of Mathilde Salle,' a sculpture residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here, we encounter the enduring motif of the portrait bust. This artistic tradition, echoing from ancient Roman sculptures of emperors and patricians, is a clear indication of Degas's deep understanding of art history. The act of immortalizing a person's likeness in three dimensions carries profound cultural weight, signifying status and commemoration. The eyes, though unseeing in the traditional sense, invite contemplation and introspection. Degas skillfully captures the essence of Mathilde, allowing the gaze to evoke a range of emotions, from serenity to pensiveness. The play of light and shadow on the sculpture's surface creates a dynamic interplay, revealing the emotional and psychological depth of the sitter. Like the masks of antiquity, there is a tension between revealing the inner self and maintaining composure. Ultimately, the portrait bust is a powerful symbol of memory and identity, continually reinvented across time and cultures, its emotional impact resonating with viewers through the ages.