Artwork

The Convalescent

The Convalescent, by Edgar Degas, oil, 1872
The Convalescent, by Edgar Degas, oil, 1872

The Convalescent is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Convalescent is an oil painting created by Edgar Degas in 1872, now part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a woman in a state of repose, reclining on a bed with her head supported by her hand. Her attire consists of a dark jacket over a white dress. The subject's pose and expression suggest a state of relaxation and introspection.

Technique & Style

The work features visible brushstrokes, imparting a textured quality to the painting. The color palette combines dark and light tones in the background, contrasting with the subject's clothing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1872, The Convalescent is attributed to Edgar Degas, aligning with his thematic focus on depicting women in ordinary, intimate settings.

Context

This piece reflects Degas' interest in capturing everyday life, particularly the private moments of women, a common theme in his oeuvre.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of The Convalescent are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Degas' contributions to late 19th-century portrait painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edgar Degas

Artist

Edgar Degas

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: J. Paul Getty Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.