Description
This sheet of head studies unites three fundamental characteristics of Degas's art: consummate draftsmanship, captured movement and expression, and an almost obsessive attention to the attitudes of the female figure. Drawn in 1856 during his first trip to Italy, the sheet represents the model in successive positions and expressions of suffering. The name inscribed at the upper right-Rita Cacciala-must be that of the model. Writing models' names and addresses on figure studies was a common practice among artists, providing them with a handy reference of models they might want to contact for future use.
Provenance
Estate of Edgar Degas [1834-1917], Paris, by descent to his brother René de Gas (1856-1917); René de Gas [1845-1921], Paris, by descent to his family (by 1918-1921); Nepveu-Degas collection, Paris (1921-1976); (Hotel Drouot, Nepveu-Degas collection sale, Paris, May 6, 1976, no. 13, sold to John Couper?) (1976); John Couper, Paris, sold to Shepherd Gallery, New York (Probably 1976-1977); (Shepherd Gallery, New York, sold to Muriel Butkin, Shaker Heights, OH) (1977); Muriel Butkin [1916-2008], Shaker Heights, OH, by bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1977-2008); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2008-)
Accession Number
2008.388
Medium
graphite
Dimensions
Sheet: 46 x 30.5 cm (18 1/8 x 12 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin