The Washhouse 1891

Auguste-Louis Lepère made this etching, titled ‘The Washhouse,’ at the turn of the 20th century. It offers a glimpse into the lives of working-class Parisians. Lepère was known for his commitment to capturing scenes of everyday life in France, and here he directs our attention to the labor of women. By showing the arduous task of laundry, he highlights the social conditions that shape the lives of these women, and invites the viewer to consider the economic and social forces at play in their lives. During this time, there was a growing interest in social realism in art, with artists seeking to depict the realities of modern life, particularly the lives of the working class. Lepère would have been aware of the debates in the art world, with institutions like the state-sponsored Salons often resisting more radical depictions of modern life. To fully understand this image, one might research the history of laundry work in Paris, or explore the role of women in the workforce during this period. Through this, we can appreciate how this piece challenges viewers to engage with the social and economic realities of its time.