Where is this work displayed?

This pastel is at the Art Institute of Chicago, which holds many of Degas's finest pastels.

What does this work depict?

It shows a woman at her toilette, brushing or drying herself. Degas exhibited a group of these nudes in 1886, shocking critics with their frank, unidealized approach to the female body.

Who created this work?

Edgar Degas made this pastel. He described his bathers as women seen "through a keyhole", observed without posing or performing for the viewer.

Where Is Woman at Her Toilette? Museum Location

Dating to 1875, this painting by Edgar Degas exemplifies the Impressionism movement, which transformed the artistic landscape of its era. As a French artist, Edgar Degas brought unique cultural perspectives to their work. The figure study demonstrates Edgar Degas's understanding of human anatomy and form. Through careful observation, the artist captures both the physical structure and the expressive potential of the body. Light and shadow model the figure with sculptural presence. Today, this painting resides in the permanent collection of Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, where visitors can experience its presence firsthand. Seeing the work in person reveals details of brushwork, scale, and color that reproductions cannot fully convey. The museum's collection provides important context for understanding this piece alongside other significant works from the same period and artistic tradition. For collectors and art enthusiasts inspired to bring similar aesthetics into their own spaces, figurative art offers high-quality contemporary interpretations of this enduring artistic tradition. Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was a French artist associated with Impressionism and Surrealism. The artist's body of work demonstrates consistent themes and evolving technique across their career.