Woman washing in the bath 1892

Edgar Degas made this pastel drawing of a woman washing in the bath in the late 19th century, a period of significant social change and evolving representations of the female body in art. Degas was part of a shift toward depicting everyday life, but his gaze was undeniably male and class-bound. This intimate scene invites us to consider the representation of women, particularly in domestic spaces. The woman's posture and obscured face prompt questions about vulnerability, privacy, and the act of being observed. During this time, women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, and their bodies were often objectified in art. Degas' work both reflects and challenges these norms, inviting us to consider the complexities of looking and being seen. While beautiful, this artwork carries a charge. Whose gaze does it reflect, and what does it mean to capture such a private moment?