Nymphs Leaving the Bath 1843

Camille Corot painted 'Nymphs Leaving the Bath' using oil on canvas, though we don’t know exactly when it was made. The nymph was a popular subject in French painting of the 19th century. They represent a fantasy of female sensuality available for the male gaze of the viewer. But the image has a deeper meaning. It draws upon the cultural tropes of classical mythology. In the 19th century, familiarity with these myths was a sign of a good education. Here, Corot uses them to elevate his painting, claiming it as high art. Paintings like this were exhibited in the Salons. The Salon system was governed by an academy whose approval was essential for the success of an artist. This painting could be seen as challenging academic conventions. The interpretation of art requires careful historical research into the social and institutional context in which it was made. It's important to analyze institutions such as the Salon in order to fully understand it.