10. The Toilette / Pierre Puvis De Chavannes (1883)

The Toilette / Pierre Puvis De Chavannes (1883)

The Toilette / Pierre Puvis De Chavannes (1883)

Oil on canvas / H: 14.8 cm, W: 10.5 cm

■ Statement

"Her distant sensuality introduces a 'contained eroticism', thanks in particular to the dry, matt appearance of the paint, which contains very little oil, like the frescoes of the old masters."

■ Brief Biographical Information of Artist 

Born in Lyons on Dec. 14, 1824, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes belonged to the generation of Gustave Courbet and édouard Manet, and he was fully aware of their revolutionary achievements. Nevertheless, he was drawn to a more traditional and conservative style. From his first involvement with art, which began after a trip to Italy and which interrupted his intention to follow the engineering profession that his father practiced, Puvis pursued his career within the scope of academic classicism and the Salon. Even in this chosen arena, however, he was rejected, particularly during the 1850s. But he gradually won acceptance. By the 1880s he was an established figure in the Salons, and by the 1890s he was their acknowledged master.

■ Background of the Art work

Pierre Puvis De Chavannes approached this piece with a "classical" feel. The women having her hair brushed does not have make-up on, resembling true classy beauty. Her hair being brushed by her servant is treated as a material that is both heavy and fluid, with a compact appearance. The layout demonstrates an economy of resources.

■ Connection Between the Art and the Theme 

Although her face looks gloomy, I think that people are easily able to feel her attraction. I believe that the artist attempted to appeal people's vain by her expression. In addition, the artist might express woman's abstraction and the fantasy by her naked body.