Woman in Bathtub 1973

Alex Colville created "Woman in Bathtub," a painting that captures a quiet, domestic scene with a touch of voyeurism. Colville’s precise realism invites us into an intimate moment that is both ordinary and deeply personal. The woman in the tub is caught in a private act, while another figure, possibly her husband, stands guard, draped in a dark robe. Colville’s work often explores themes of gender, marriage, and the complexities of relationships. His wife, Rhoda, was a frequent subject in his paintings. This highlights the artist's deep connection to his immediate world. The cool, sterile setting contrasts with the vulnerability of the bather. Her gaze is directed downwards. It evokes a sense of introspection and isolation, a feeling that resonates beyond the canvas and touches on broader experiences of identity and self-awareness.