Woman in a Bathtub, Edgar Degas | Mia

Woman in a Bathtub, 1889 modeled (cast 1920-21) no. 26/C
Edgar Degas
Bronze
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton 89.99
G351
Taking an unusual approach to the traditional theme of the nude bather, and introducing color into his original wax sculpture (through tinted waxes, a lead ring for the tub’s rim, and plaster-soaked cloth puddled at the tub’s edge), Degas achieved a work of daring modernity. Much of The Tub’s impact, as well as its charm, derives from Degas’s clever way of making a full view possible only from directly overhead. Yet the arrangement of the bather’s arms and legs, combined with her self-absorption as she performs her ablutions, results in a carefree innocence that foils the most prurient gaze.

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Degas, Woman in Tub (#026)

Details

Title: Woman in a Bathtub
Dated: 1889 modeled (cast 1920-21) no. 26/C
Artist: Edgar Degas
Nationality: French
Artist Life: 1834–1917
Role: Artist
Gallery: G351
Department: Decorative Arts, Textiles and Sculpture
Dimension: 8 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 17 3/4 in. (22.23 x 41.91 x 45.09 cm)
Credit: Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
Accession Number: 89.99
Medium: Bronze
Country: France
Century: 19th-20th century
Rights: Public Domain
Classification: Sculpture
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Curator Approved: This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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