Woman Trying on a Hat by Degas

Observing with remarkable psychological acuity the bourgeoisie of his time, this highly elegant work by Degas Edgar, associated with the Impressionist movement, stands under the title of “Woman Trying on a Hat” within his portraits. The artist opens the doors of a milliner’s boutique to capture the intimacy of a fitting. This composition bears witness to his unique ability to capture from life the feminine attitudes of modern life.

The woman is depicted in profile and from behind in the center, seated comfortably on a large golden yellow bench. Wearing an elegant fitted black dress with long sleeves, she raises both of her arms to adjust a dark hat on her head, her hands holding this precious coiffure with an infinite delicacy. In the left foreground, the floor or dressing table is colored with a brilliant vermilion red that wonderfully and powerfully dynamizes the overall composition of the image. In the background, large white veiled windows filter a soft light over the entire left side.

This work demonstrates the artist’s incomparable craftsmanship in the treatment of artificial light and textures. The painter uses rapid and fluid strokes to suggest the velvet of the dress and the lightness of the feathers with exceptional sensitivity, power and technical virtuosity.