Woman Reading a Book c. 1879

Edgar Degas created this drawing, Woman Reading a Book, with charcoal and white chalk on grey paper. In 19th-century France, the cultural association of women with literature was complex. While education for women was slowly expanding, their intellectual pursuits were often viewed through a social lens, as accomplishments meant to enhance their marriage prospects. Degas, known for his insightful observations of Parisian life, captures a woman absorbed in her reading, seemingly oblivious to the viewer. Consider the politics of imagery here: the act of reading could be seen as empowering, granting women access to knowledge and ideas. At the same time, this image subtly reflects the constraints placed upon women, as even in her reading, she remains a figure of quiet contemplation, a subject for observation. To fully understand this artwork, one can consult 19th-century periodicals, educational records, and social commentaries, which offer a broader perspective on the evolving role of women in French society. By examining these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of art.