Portrait after a Costume Ball (Portrait of Madame Dietz-Monnin)

A woman in a vibrant, almost theatrical dress looks directly at us, her pose both elegant and a little weary. This isn't a grand society portrait, but rather a glimpse behind the scenes, perhaps after a lively costume ball. Degas (who was around 43 when he painted this) captures the sitter, Madame Dietz-Monnin, with an unusual blend of materials: distemper, metallic paint, and pastel on canvas. This combination gives the surface a rich, varied texture, especially in the shimmering gold of her dress and the delicate blush on her cheeks. The background is minimal, almost abstract, drawing all attention to her striking presence and the subtle narrative implied by her gaze and attire. It feels like a moment of quiet reflection amidst the lingering glamour of an evening out.