Woman Embroidering 1855 - 1860

"Woman Embroidering" is a charcoal drawing by Edgar Degas, created between 1855 and 1860. This intimate portrait depicts a woman in a simple white dress and cap, hunched over her embroidery, her face obscured by the low light. Degas's early works often featured realistic depictions of everyday life, exploring the quiet moments of domesticity. This drawing is a fine example of his early style, showcasing his ability to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow with masterful precision. Degas would later go on to become famous for his paintings of dancers and other subjects, but his early works, like this one, offer a glimpse into the artist's formative years.