“Woman Washing Her Feet,” an artwork by Pierre Bonnard, created in 1894, is an example of oil painting on panel associated with the Post-Impressionism art movement. The genre painting measures 41.6 by 33.6 cm and resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a woman engaged in the intimate and modest act of washing her feet. The scene is composed with the woman seated on what appears to be a soft surface, perhaps a bed or cushioned bench, leaning forward to attend to her task. Her form is clad in a delicate pink garment, contrasted against the subdued, moody tones of the background. The texture and brushstrokes suggest the artist’s emphasis on capturing the ephemeral quality of light and color, characteristic of the Post-Impressionist style. The setting exudes a sense of quietude and private reflection, offering a glimpse into a personal, everyday moment. The color palette, dominated by blues and purples, imbues the scene with a serene yet contemplative atmosphere, highlighting Bonnard’s skill in evoking emotion through color and form.
