After the Bath c. 1900

Edgar Degas rendered this charcoal drawing, After the Bath, with precision and sensitivity. The figure's pose, bent over with arms outstretched, evokes the classical motif of the Venus Pudica, a symbol of modesty and feminine virtue. This gesture is hardly new. We see it echoed through the ages, from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings, each time subtly altered, yet retaining a core essence of self-awareness. This posture can be traced back to the goddess Venus, covering her breasts. Consider how the act of bathing is linked to purification and renewal across cultures. The emotional weight of vulnerability is evident here; Degas captures a moment of raw, unguarded humanity. Through this lens, we see how symbols evolve, adapting to the ever-changing human experience.