Bathing women 

Hermann Lismann made this ink drawing of bathing women sometime in the early 20th century in Germany, and it's part of the Städel Museum collection. The scene presents a timeless vision of women in nature, but it's worth asking what social norms were at play. During this period in Germany, there was a growing interest in naturalism and a return to the body, partly as a response to industrialization and urbanization. Lismann’s work reflects a desire to escape the constraints of modern life through images of leisure and the natural world. It seems to echo older classical ideals, but it was also a modern statement on the importance of personal freedom. The Städel Museum, like other art institutions of the time, played a role in shaping artistic taste and promoting certain values through its collections and exhibitions. Understanding the art of this period requires us to consider the social context in which it was made, using archival sources, exhibition catalogs, and critical writings to gain a deeper appreciation. By doing so, we can better understand the complex relationship between art and society.