\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 Here Degas has chosen to paint a nude in a nonacademic manner, not posed for the observer.\b \i \par
\b0 \i0 In fact the wo
man is depicted in a moment of intimacy, while she is washing her back in a bathtub set in one corner of her bedroom.\par
A series of bath items are set out on the shelf: a ceramic jug decorated with yellow flowers, a copper pot that reflects a warm and
reddish light and a hair brush poised on the edge.\par
The use of pastel results in areas of blended and blurred color that are very effective at conveying the womanÆs shapely forms.\par
Her hair piled up on her head, in an arrangement from which a fe
w locks manage to escape, is a wonderful Titian red.\par
Note the detail of the light falling on the womanÆs hand and arm, an effect achieved by adding touches of white lead on top of the pastel.\par
The artistÆs primary interest lies in the act that i
s taking place and in the representation of color. He pays little attention, conversely, to the three-dimensional spatial setting, as is clear from the summary manner in which he handles the perspective of the shelf.
