Le bain du bébé 

Maximilien Luce painted "Le bain du bébé" with oil on canvas, using short brushstrokes that define the forms. This impressionistic style captures a fleeting moment of domestic life, emphasizing the material presence of the paint itself. The textures and visible brushwork create a sense of immediacy, suggesting Luce's interest in capturing the effects of light and color. The painting's materiality invites us to consider the labor involved in its creation, as well as the social context in which it was made. Luce was associated with the neo-impressionist movement and known for his sympathy towards working-class subjects. Here, the artist shows a moment of care, but there is also a deep sense of the everyday. By focusing on the ordinary, Luce elevates the mundane tasks of childcare to a subject worthy of artistic attention. This approach challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft.