Two Women After Bath Possibly 1920 - 1929

Curator: Hashiguchi Goyo's "Two Women After Bath," at the Harvard Art Museums, strikes me as an intensely private moment. Editor: Yes, an intimacy is certainly conveyed. There is a serene quality, perhaps born from the simple, minimalist palette. Curator: It also reflects a fascinating shift in the portrayal of women within Japanese printmaking. The mirror image, the unguarded postures - it’s about genuine observation. Editor: We see a move away from idealized geishas towards a more grounded depiction of everyday life. This also speaks to a growing urbanization and the changing roles of women in the early 20th century. Curator: The subtle tension between the figure tending to her feet and the reflected gaze suggests a complex relationship between self-care and outward presentation. Editor: Indeed, it challenges the viewer to reflect on the intersection of public perception and private ritual. What a wonderfully quiet, reflective piece.