Artwork
Laundress Carrying Linen
Laundress Carrying Linen is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Laundress Carrying Linen is a charcoal drawing on laid paper created by Edgar Degas around 1890. It exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing everyday life through draftsmanship.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a washerwoman carrying a large bundle of laundry, conveying a sense of determination through her posture and movement. The focus is on her task rather than her facial expression, which is not detailed.
Technique & Style
Degas employed charcoal counterproof to achieve a range of tonal values and textures, using quick lines to capture the subject's movement and the folds of her clothing. The technique emphasizes the dynamic quality of the scene.
Context
This work reflects Degas's interest in scenes of labor and everyday life, diverging from his more famous depictions of dancers. It showcases his realist approach, prioritizing careful observation over outdoor painting.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.
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