Description
Edgar Degas' painting "Two Laundresses" is a masterpiece of French Impressionism depicting two women washing clothes in a stream. Originally 76 x 81 cm in size, the painting was created in 1876 and is one of the artist's most iconic works.
Degas' artistic style is characterized by his use of loose, rapid brushstrokes, which creates a sense of movement and fluidity in the work. In "Two Laundresses", Degas uses this technique to represent the water flowing in the stream and the clothes the women are washing.
The composition of the painting is really interesting, as Degas uses an unusual angle to depict the women. Instead of showing them from the front, he shows them from a side angle, which creates a sense of depth and perspective in the work.
Color is also an important part of painting. Degas uses soft, pastel tones to depict the landscape and the women, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. Degas was fascinated by the everyday life of working women and often depicted them in his works. "Two Laundresses" is an example of this, as it depicts two women performing a daily task.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that Degas revised it several times before deeming it finished. In one of the earlier versions, she had included a man sitting on the bank of the stream, but ultimately decided to remove it to focus on the women and their work.
In short, "Two Laundresses" by Edgar Degas is a masterpiece of French Impressionism that stands out for its technique, composition, and color. Also, the story behind the painting and the lesser-known aspects make it even more interesting and valuable.