Moving away from the traditional depictions of nude women, usually in reference to Aphrodite or Venus, Degas provides a snapshot to the intimate activities among average women in their day to day life. The Japanese technique known as fukinuki yatai, or “blown off roof,” allows the viewer to see into the interior of a space from above. [1] A masterwork of Degas, it skillfully combines still life of toilet articles with a distorted perspective and plunging view, make this pastel one of the most audacious and accomplished of Degas' works.[2]
The piece was first presented at the Eighth Impressionist Exhibition of 1886 in Paris, France.[3]
