The artwork “Woman’s Bath” by Albrecht Dürer dates to around 1496 and is part of the Northern Renaissance movement. It falls into the genre of nude painting (nu). The piece features several women engaged in various activities associated with bathing within an interior setting that suggests a communal bathhouse.
In the depiction, you can observe a group of women in different poses: some are standing, and others are seated. There’s an attention to detail in the way Dürer has rendered the room, including beamwork in the ceiling and a fireplace in the back giving a sense of place and domesticity. The women are shown in various states of undress, and the range in their gestures and activities conveys a naturalism and intimacy, which was innovative for Dürer’s time.
It is notable that the drawing showcases Dürer’s mastery of the human form, as well as his skill in creating textures and depth with fine line work. The figures exhibit a range of body types and postures, reflecting the artist’s study of the human anatomy and his interest in depicting the figure realistically. The artwork can also be seen as a cultural depiction of bathing practices and social interactions within that context during the Northern Renaissance period.
