Woman Combing Her Hair – Edgar Degas (ca. 1888–90)

Edgar Degas’ “Woman Combing Her Hair” (ca. 1888-90) is a stunning pastel work that showcases the artist’s innovative technique and bold use of color. As the second of two variants of a composition created around 1885, this version employs a unique technique where Degas applied multiple layers of pastel, burnishing the pigment and rubbing the underlying paper until the fibers loosened, creating a distinctive texture that projects from the surface like fine hairs.

In this piece, Degas emphasized anti-natural chartreuses and greens in modeling the figure’s pink flesh, perhaps drawing inspiration from the play of complementary color contrasts found in the works of his younger contemporaries such as Seurat or Van Gogh. The result is a captivating portrayal of a woman engaged in the simple yet intimate act of combing her hair.

Our museum-quality giclee prints of “Woman Combing Her Hair” are available on archival quality canvas or 100% cotton rag watercolor paper. Each print is carefully reproduced from high-resolution images, ensuring that the original artwork’s vibrant colors, striking textures, and intricate details are accurately captured. These stunning prints are an excellent way to bring the bold colors and innovative techniques of Degas’ work into your home or office.

Embrace the beauty and artistry of Edgar Degas with a museum-quality print of “Woman Combing Her Hair,” a piece that not only highlights the artist’s unique approach to pastel but also stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the world of art. Enhance your art collection with a piece that embodies the creative spirit of the Impressionist movement and adds a touch of sophistication to any space.

Title: Woman Combing Her Hair
Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
Date: ca. 1888–90
Medium: Pastel on light green wove paper, now discolored to warm gray, affixed to original pulpboard mount
Dimensions: 24 1/8 x 18 1/8 in. (61.3 x 46 cm)
Classification: Drawings