Artist: After Edgar Degas
Title: Woman Drying Herself After Bath
Medium: Crayon on paper
Dimensions: 6 3/4 x 10 1/4 in
Condition Report: Overall good condition

Description:
This horizontal composition features a seated female nude, captured in the intimate and everyday act of drying herself with a towel after a bath. The woman is depicted from a slight semi-profile, with her back mostly turned to the viewer. The light hues of the drapery on the chair and the towel she holds add contrast and textural depth, effectively framing the figure. The pose is spontaneous, and the subject appears unaware of the viewer's gaze, which enhances the scene's casual and private atmosphere. This work reflects Degas' masterful ability to capture the nuances of human form and gesture in a natural, unposed manner.

About the Artist:
Edgar Degas (born July 19, 1834, Paris, France—died September 27, 1917, Paris) was a leading French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, recognized as a key figure in the Impressionist movement. Degas is renowned for his explorations of Parisian life, particularly his depictions of the human figure, with a focus on women in everyday activities. His work ranges from somber early portraits to dynamic studies of laundresses, cabaret singers, milliners, and dancers. Degas' deep interest in the human form is perhaps best exemplified in his numerous studies of ballet dancers and women engaged in personal routines, such as the toilette, subjects that captivated him throughout his career.