Woman Leaning on an Elbow beside a Vase of Flowers

Degas abandoned historical subjects in favour of close observation of modern life. In Woman Leaning on an Elbow beside a Vase of Flowers he introduces the viewer into a typical middle-class home in the country, possibly that of his friends the Valpinçons in southern Normandy. His model is relaxing informally after gathering this large bouquet in her garden, the gloves that protected her hands from scratches now carelessly laid on the table beside the water jug.

The woman depicted is probably Madame Paul Valpinçon. The painting was preceded by a pencil drawing of the woman, also dated 1865.

This painting is incorrectly referred to as Woman with Chrysanthemums.