The Green Room

Edgar Degas

1876

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Interior

About this work

This sketch shows a dimly lit room with a group of people standing and talking. One person is bent over, possibly picking something up, while others stand nearby in dark coats. The light is soft, and the figures look hurried or distracted. The loose, sketchy lines suggest quick movement, almost like a snapshot. This style was common in Degas’s monotypes, where he used ink to create a single impression. Next, explore Impressionism to see how artists like Degas captured fleeting moments.