Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2022.

The Footbath

Artist Maximilien Luce (French, 1858-1941)

Date1894

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions31 x 38 in. (78.7 x 96.5 cm)
Overall, Frame: 44 1/2 x 51 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (113 x 130.8 x 8.9 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number77.415

Terms

People
Bathing
Feet
Divisionism

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is an oil on canvas painting. This painting exhibits the concept of partitive color (also referred to as pointillism or divisionism) which is a formula of two unmixed colors side by side, natural light and the human eye. The unmixed colors, which are small dots side by side, allows the viewers' eye, with the aid of natural light, to blend the colors. The subject is a interior domestic scene of a laborer washing his feet after a hard day's work. He is aided by a woman; she is bent over pouring water in his footbath.

Label TextMaximilien Luce French, 1858–1941 The Footbath, 1894 Oil on canvas Maximilien Luce’s The Footbath depicts a quiet domestic scene. A hardworking peasant has returned home at the end of the day. His wife pours him a warm, relaxing bath. Despite the subdued subject, the painting is busy with activity. Luce built up his composition with tiny dots of pure, unblended colors that activate the luminous quality of his scene. The effect is striking. Although it depicts a dim, sleepy interior, his picture is awash in brilliance. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 77.415