Four Studies of the Head of a Young Italian Woman 1856

Edgar Degas's "Four Studies of the Head of a Young Italian Woman" (1856) is a charcoal drawing that showcases the artist's early fascination with portraiture and the human form. Degas's careful attention to detail and his rendering of the female subject's features, particularly her expressive eyes, are characteristic of his later, more renowned works. The piece is a testament to Degas's masterful use of charcoal and his ability to capture the essence of his subject. This piece, while not as well-known as many of Degas's later works, provides a glimpse into his artistic development, revealing his early talent as a draftsman.