Head of a Woman
- Artist: Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas
- Date: about 1874
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Head of a Woman" painted by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas. Created around 1874, it showcases the artist's early work in portraiture, particularly focusing on three-quarters views of heads and bust-length portraits.
Notice how the subject is positioned slightly off-center, creating a sense of depth and nuance. This was a common technique employed by Degas during this period, allowing him to capture the subtleties of his models' expressions and emotions.
As you take in the painting, observe the way the light falls on the subject's face, highlighting the delicate features and subtle play of shadows. Degas's use of oil on canvas here creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the quiet moment captured in this portrait.
The "Head of a Woman" is an excellent representation of Degas's ability to distill the essence of his subjects through simple yet effective composition and lighting.
See it in person
Head of a Woman hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
