Woman in a Bath Sponging Her Leg 1884

Edgar Degas created this pastel drawing, *Woman in a Bath Sponging Her Leg*, as part of a series of intimate scenes from modern Parisian life. During the late 19th century, the female nude was a popular subject in art, but Degas broke from tradition by portraying women in private moments of personal hygiene, rather than as idealized figures for the male gaze. The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, internal; she seems completely absorbed in the act of washing. This intimate moment reflects the changing roles of women in society, as they began to assert their independence and individuality. Here, Degas offers a glimpse into the ordinary, domestic lives of women, capturing the quiet solitude and introspection of this everyday ritual. By focusing on the intimate details of the bathing process, Degas invites us to contemplate the multifaceted experiences of women in a rapidly changing world.