Before the Bath

• Suzanne Valadon (1865–1938)
• 1908
• Charcoal and chalk on bu wove paper, mounted on board
• Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
• (1975.1.735)

During this period, women artists found the subject of bathing provided an opportunity to depict the nude. Suzanne Valadon likewise produced many drawings on this theme. This work portrays an everyday scene in which an older woman prepares for her bath while a young girl stands beside her, waiting unclothed. A towel at the girl’s feet, a blue striped dress on the chair, and a white robe draped over the screen are all rendered brightly in chalk.