Het Toilet, 15 november 1878, No. 5 1878

Editor: This watercolor, "Het Toilet, 15 november 1878, No. 5," by E. Cheffer, depicts two women in elaborate dresses. There's a real emphasis on detail. What resonates with me most is how clearly the artist captures a specific moment in time through fashion. What stands out to you about it? Curator: The title itself, "The Toilet," gestures toward a ritual. More than just getting dressed, it suggests preparation for social presentation. The clothes become powerful symbols. Consider the colour palettes: the light, ornate dress versus the dark, tailored one. Do those colours suggest particular social roles, or perhaps emotional states? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. Maybe the lighter dress signifies youth and optimism, while the darker one represents a more serious demeanor. Curator: Exactly. And note the floral decorations. Flowers traditionally symbolize beauty, fleetingness, and even love. How do they function within this context? Do they emphasize a desire to attract attention, or signal some internal, personal characteristic? Editor: I suppose it could be both. The women are definitely putting effort into their appearances, so attracting attention seems likely, but the choices, like the type of flower, might reflect their personalities. So, the details are really intentional. Curator: Precisely. Cheffer uses these elements not just to depict fashion, but also to construct narratives around identity and social expectation. The 'toilette' becomes a stage upon which personal and societal dramas are enacted. Do you feel that knowing these symbolic connections deepens your understanding of the piece? Editor: Definitely. It makes me look at fashion of that time period and the artwork in a completely different light, appreciating the layered meaning within seemingly simple depictions. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, recognizing the symbol enriches our appreciation and it’s been insightful to see it anew through your perspective.