Young Woman with Ibis (1860–62)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"" by Edgar Degas, painted between 1860 and 1862, presents an evocative and somewhat enigmatic scene. The artwork features a young woman draped in a rich teal shawl, her serene and contemplative expression drawing viewers into her mysterious world. Beside her, the vivid red ibises create a striking contrast that captivates the eye. These exotic birds add an element of the surreal to the painting, enhancing its dreamlike quality.Set against a backdrop that hints at a distant cityscape, likely Paris, the composition bridges the ordinary and the fantastical. The soft, muted tones of the background juxtapose with the intensity of the ibises, suggesting a narrative or symbolism open to interpretation. Degas, primarily known for his ballet dancers, here explores themes of solitude and introspection, inviting viewers to ponder the woman's connection to the birds and the scene around her.This painting is a superb example of Degas's early explorations in combining realism with imaginative elements, before he fully immersed himself in the Impressionist movement.