Portrait of a Young Woman 1865

Edgar Degas painted this oil on canvas portrait of a young woman. The image suggests a quiet moment of reflection and reveals the way the French bourgeoisie saw itself in the late 19th century. Degas was a key figure in the Impressionist movement, which sought to capture fleeting moments and the effects of light. Here, he presents a poised, upper-middle-class woman. Note the simplicity of her dress, the way she wears her hair, and her calm demeanor. The painting speaks to the values of the time: restraint and an appreciation for inner beauty. To understand the painting better, we can look at fashion and conduct manuals of the time. This helps us to understand the social norms and expectations of women in this historical period. The history of the family in France would also provide valuable insights into the cultural meanings of this portrait. In this way, a seemingly simple image becomes a doorway into a complex social world.