Woman Seated in an Armchair, Wiping Her Neck c. 1890 - 1905

Edgar Degas modeled "Woman Seated in an Armchair, Wiping Her Neck" in wax and clay, likely between 1896 and 1911, later cast in bronze. Degas often depicted women in intimate, unguarded moments. It's impossible to ignore the male gaze at play here. In late 19th-century France, the female body was frequently objectified. Degas, however, was interested in realism, even if that meant stripping away the traditional romanticism associated with female nudes. This sculpture challenges the viewer to confront the everyday reality of women's lives, not just the idealized versions. There's a raw vulnerability in this depiction. The woman's gesture is both intimate and mundane. Degas captures a sense of discomfort, perhaps even exhaustion, that many women of the time might have experienced. Her posture and expression speak volumes about the unseen labor and private moments of women in that era. The sculpture prompts us to reflect on the societal expectations placed on women and the emotional toll they can take.