La Toilette féminine 1889

Luc-Oliver Merson's *La Toilette féminine* (1889) depicts a woman in classical dress, likely a goddess, performing a ritualistic washing. A putti, or cherub, looks on from below. The woman's flowing robes and the ornate background suggest a mythological setting, emphasizing the importance of the ritual. Merson, known for his allegorical and symbolic works, likely intended to portray the beauty and purity associated with female grace. The image is an example of the Symbolist movement, which emphasized the exploration of abstract and philosophical ideas through art.