The hairdresser

The Hairdresser

Type: Painting

Date: 1760

Artist: Pietro Longhi

Location: Ca' Rezzonico, Venice, Italy

Dimensions: 0.6 meters high x 0.51 meters wide

Description:

The painting depicts an intimate scene of daily life in 18th-century Venice. In a dimly lit room, four figures are engaged in a social interaction.

On the left, a woman in a brown dress sits on a chair, holding a fan. She observes the scene with a curious expression. In the center, another woman sits gracefully while a hairdresser styles her hair. The hairdresser, dressed in white and black, stands behind her, carefully arranging her long, dark hair.

To the right, a man in a blue coat and white trousers stands holding a tray with a pitcher and two glasses. His gaze is fixed on the woman having her hair done.

Longhi's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of intimacy and realism. The painting offers a glimpse into the social customs and fashions of the Venetian elite during the 18th century.