The artwork titled “The Woman with a Tub” was crafted by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. Belonging to the Art Nouveau movement, which was known as “Modern” during that period, it can be categorized as a genre painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 39.8 by 52.1 cm. Currently, this painting is housed at the Brooklyn Museum located in New York City, NY, US.
In this artwork, the focus is on a woman who is engrossed in her domestic duties. She is depicted from behind, bending over a large basin or tub. The woman appears to be washing or scrubbing something within the tub, her right hand conveying movement as she wields a piece of cloth or sponge. She is clothed in a long, dark dress with a white collar and cuffs, suggesting a modest, working-class status. Her hair is tied back, away from her face, in a practical fashion befitting her activity.
The setting of the artwork is intimate and domestic. The background includes a fireplace mantel with a clock on it and a couple of framed wall decorations, which could be pictures or small mirrors. The color palette employs muted tones, with the exception of the yellow substance in the tub that stands out against the rest of the subdued hues. The scene is narrated with a sense of discretion and authenticity, typical of Toulouse-Lautrec’s insight into the less glamorous aspects of everyday life. The artwork imparts a snapshot of 19th century life, providing a glimpse into the private world of an individual engaged in her daily routine.
