“The Toilette” is an artwork painted by Antoine Watteau, created around 1716 to 1717. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is an exemplar of the Rococo art movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork depicts a scene of intimate domesticity, showcasing a nude woman seated on a cushioned bench, partially covered with a white drapery that she holds in her hand. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, capturing a moment of vulnerability and natural beauty. Behind her, a maidservant stands, attending to her needs with a piece of fabric in hand. The setting is enriched with lush draperies and a decorative headboard, indicating an atmosphere of opulence. The presence of a small dog lying on the bench adds a touch of warmth and domestic charm to the scene. Watteau’s masterful use of light and shadow imbues the composition with a soft, ethereal quality, characteristic of the Rococo style.
