The artwork titled “Woman at Her Toilette, Washing Herself” was crafted by the distinguished artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1896. It is an oil-based creation, executed in the Post-Impressionism style, serving primarily as a sketch and study. The artwork, measuring 52 by 40.5 centimeters, belongs to the Brooklyn Museum located in New York City, New York, in the United States.
This particular artwork by Toulouse-Lautrec captures an intimate moment within a private setting, portraying a woman engaged in the act of washing herself. The subject is depicted from behind, with her upper body nude as she bends slightly towards a basin. Her hands appear to be occupied in the cleansing ritual, enhancing the overall sense of personal care-taking portrayed in the artwork.
The brushwork of the artwork exhibits swift, sketch-like strokes, a characteristic that contributes to its classification as both a sketch and a study. There is an evident focus on the naturalism of the woman’s form and the movement associated with her gestures. The surrounding details within the composition suggest a domestic interior, though they are rendered with less specificity than the central figure, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain firmly on the act of washing and the graceful contours of the woman’s back.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s signature can be discerned within the artwork, indicating his authorship. The scene’s candidness and the artwork’s execution reflect the artist’s interest in depicting the everyday lives and rituals of people, particularly women, with authenticity and sensitivity. The inclusion of additional elements, such as what looks to be a small painting or a reflection within the space, adds depth to the scene and invites speculation regarding the broader context of the moment captured.
