Young Woman in Black 1861 - 1865

Edgar Degas created this painting of a Young Woman in Black using oil on paper, likely in the late 19th century. The composition is immediately striking for its stark contrast and asymmetrical balance. Notice the somber black dress of the subject, which dominates the lower half of the painting, offset by a lighter background that accentuates the figure's upper body and face. Degas plays with contrasts, setting the smooth finish of the face against the roughness of the background and dress. The gaze of the young woman evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection. The asymmetry of the backdrop destabilizes any fixed meaning, pushing the viewer to consider the psychological depth of the figure rather than a conventional portrait. Degas masterfully engages with the formal qualities of the artwork, transforming a portrait into a study of emotion and identity, challenging our conventional understanding of representation.