Marie Dihau (1843–1935)
Edgar Degas, 1867–68
About this artwork
In the intimate portrait *Marie Dihau* (1867–68), Edgar Degas the poised profile of his subject, a woman rendered with delicate precision in oil on canvas. Measuring just 8¾ x 10¾ inches, this small-scale work exemplifies Degas's early mastery of portraiture, created during his formative years in Paris when he was influenced by classical traditions and contemporaries like Édouard Manet. The profile view, a nod to Renaissance and Ingres-inspired elegance, highlights Degas's to subtle details—such as the subject's attire, a purse clutched in her hand, and the soft fall of light on her features—evoking quiet introspection. As one of Degas's early oils, the painting bridges his realist roots and the innovative techniques that would define Impressionism, though Degas always resisted that label. The modest dimensions suggest it was a personal commission or study, underscoring his skill in conveying personality through economy of means. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the H.O. Havemeyer Collection, this gem invites visitors to appreciate Degas's evolving gaze on modern life, where everyday objects like a purse become symbols of quiet narrative. (198 words)