The artwork entitled “Rustic toilet,” painted by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1869, is an oil on canvas piece. Created during the Academicism movement, this genre painting measures 131 x 90 cm.
The artwork depicts a young woman engaging in a personal grooming activity, possibly arranging her hair with a red ribbon. The woman is dressed in traditional rustic attire, with a white blouse featuring voluminous sleeves and a dark bodice, complemented by a yellow skirt. She is positioned outdoors, with stone steps and a natural, foliage-lined background providing a serene and somewhat intimate setting. The master’s use of light and shadow as well as his attention to the textures of the fabric and the subject’s skin are indicative of Bouguereau’s renowned skill in academic painting. The woman’s gentle expression and poised demeanor convey a sense of tranquility and grace, contributing to the overall charm and realism of the artwork.
