The Bath

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Suzanne Valadon’s “The Bath,” painted in 1908, offers a glimpse into a private moment of cleansing and intimacy. The painting, created with pastel on paper, draws our attention immediately to the central element: a metal tub shimmering in shades of blue and purple, reflecting an unseen light source. nn Two nude figures, their forms rendered with a soft, almost hazy realism, are engaged in the act of bathing. One figure, partially submerged in the tub, bends forward, their reddish-brown hair cascading down their back as they attend to their toilette. The second figure, standing gracefully with one foot resting on the tub's edge, leans towards their companion, their hand reaching out in a gesture of care or perhaps playful interaction. nn Valadon's use of color is particularly striking. The cool blues and purples of the tub contrast beautifully with the warm, earthy tones of the figures' skin and the vibrant yellows and oranges of the floor. The background, rendered in loose, vertical strokes of blue and yellow, suggests a wall and a curtain, framing the scene and emphasizing the intimacy of the moment. nn “The Bath” is a testament to Valadon's unique artistic vision. As one of the few prominent female artists of her time, she challenged traditional notions of beauty and representation, often depicting the female form with a frankness and honesty that was both celebrated and controversial. Here at the Museum of Grenoble, we are proud to showcase this captivating work, which invites us to contemplate themes of intimacy, self-care, and the beauty of the everyday.