Study for ‘Mary Cassatt at the Louvre’ (verso) (c. 1879)

Explore the intricate details of Edgar Degas' preparatory work in the remarkable drawing titled "Study for ‘Mary Cassatt at the Louvre’ (verso)”. Circa 1879, this piece showcases Degas' mastery in capturing human figures with subtlety and grace, even in their most candid moments.The artwork features two distinct sketches of figures, each brimming with character and narrative depth. On the left, a seated woman, presumably Mary Cassatt herself, is engrossed in a small book she holds delicately in her hands. Her posture and attire reflect a relaxed yet elegant moment, as she perhaps takes a pause from admiring the art surrounding her. The details of her dress and fur-lined coat are rendered with soft, assured lines, suggesting the gentle folds of fabric and the comfortable ease of her pose.To the right stands another figure, depicted in a more loose and sketchy style. This figure, with a markedly upright stance, contrasts the seated woman. Wearing a long coat and clutching what appears to be a walking stick, this figure exudes a sense of purpose and movement, perhaps an attendant or a fellow visitor moving through the galleries of the Louvre.Edgar Degas, known for his profound influence in the Impressionist movement, often explored the themes of dance, music, and everyday life. In this study, the interaction—or the deliberate lack thereof—between the two figures and their engagement with the space around them invites viewers to ponder the silent stories that unfold within the halls of the Louvre.