The artwork entitled “Bather is Styling” is attributed to the renowned artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Dating from approximately 1887 to 1890, this work belongs to the Impressionism movement and is categorized within the genre of nude painting (nu). This piece is part of the collection at the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom, where it continues to be displayed and appreciated by visitors.
The artwork presents a single figure, a female nude, seated with her back toward the viewer. She is engaged in the act of styling her hair, a gesture that creates a dynamic curvature of her spine and allows the lines of her body to interact gracefully with the surrounding environment. Renoir’s use of soft, diffused brushstrokes captures the play of light and shadow, a hallmark characteristic of the Impressionist style. The background is loosely defined, employing an array of greens and earth tones that suggest a natural setting, possibly outdoors. The figure itself is rendered in warm, flesh tones that emphasize the softness of her form and contribute to a sense of intimacy and quietude. Renoir’s treatment of the figure’s skin and the surrounding atmosphere is notable for its seamless blend of color, helping to merge the figure harmoniously with the landscape.
The impressionist technique is clearly evident in the handling of the pigments, with the soft, almost tactile application suggesting movement and life within the static composition. Renoir’s focus is centered on the sensuality and beauty of the female form, and through this depiction, he continues to celebrate the human figure, a theme that remains central to many of his works. Despite the figure’s unveiled state, there is a sense of decency and naturalness to her pose, devoid of overt exhibitionism, which is consistent with the aesthetic principles of Impressionist nudes. The bather’s relaxed posture and absorbed action offer a glimpse into a private moment, which the artist has rendered with both sensitivity and an enduring sense of admiration for the simplicity and elegance of the human body.
