Schilderij door Nicolaas Bertin, Suzanne in het bad 1890 - 1910

Here we have “Suzanne in het bad” by Nicolaas Bertin, a photograph by Vinkenbos & Dewald held at the Rijksmuseum. The print presents us with a scene constructed through light and shadow. We see a woman, seemingly caught unaware, her pose and expression suggesting vulnerability. The composition is divided, with the darkness of foliage and figures framing the central subject, drawing our eyes to the interplay between light and form. This photograph raises questions about the gaze—both within the artwork and directed at it. The formal arrangement—the positioning of figures and use of chiaroscuro—emphasize the dynamics of looking and being looked at. The classical theme serves as a sign that asks us to consider how art constructs narratives of power, desire, and the human form. Consider how the visual elements create a sense of both beauty and unease. The scene presented encourages us to question the stories and power structures that images can convey.