Bath Time by Virgilio Tojetti – A Beauty By The Pool

Bath time c1897

“Bath time,” created in 1897 by the Italian painter Virgilio Tojetti (1851-1901), is a captivating work that exemplifies the opulent and sensuous style of late 19th-century European art. This genre painting, which represents an intimate moment in a classical setting, reflects the artist’s mastery of detail, the human form, and the fusion of romantic themes with classical influences. Tojetti’s skillful use of light, texture, and composition invites viewers into a dreamlike world where the boundaries between the viewer and the subject seem to dissolve, emphasizing both the elegance of the figure and the beauty of the surroundings.

The Main Subject: The Female Nude

The central focus of “Bath time” is a female figure, positioned in a delicate and graceful pose as she is partially draped with a flowing cloth. This subject matter, the female nude, was a popular theme in art during the period, drawing upon classical ideals of beauty and sensuality.

The woman is depicted standing in front of a stone basin or fountain, her body partly covered with the cloth she is in the process of adjusting. This act of unveiling herself adds to the sense of vulnerability and intimacy, as she seems almost caught in a private moment of self-consciousness or modesty. The viewer is invited into this fleeting moment, feeling as though they are intruding upon an otherwise private ritual.

The figure of the woman is soft, yet defined, with Tojetti paying particular attention to the flow of the fabric, the subtle musculature of the body, and the movement in her posture. Her long, wavy hair cascades down her back, which enhances the sensuous nature of the composition. The overall pose, one of quiet grace, is indicative of the artist’s ability to balance realism with an idealized version of beauty, a hallmark of the late 19th-century academic tradition.

Objects: The Fountain and Draperies

The background of the piece is dominated by a stone structure, likely a fountain or basin, that serves as the setting for this serene scene. The figure’s proximity to the fountain suggests a ritualistic bathing or cleansing process, evoking the ancient association between water and purification, both physical and symbolic. The water flowing gently from the basin adds a sense of tranquility to the work, further reinforcing the theme of rejuvenation and serenity. The soft ripples created by the water are reflected in the surrounding stonework, demonstrating Tojetti’s meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of textures.

The red drapery at the figure’s feet contrasts sharply with the lightness of her skin and the cloth wrapped around her body. The rich color of the fabric draws attention and serves as a symbol of luxury, while also providing a balance to the otherwise soft and subtle hues of the background and figure. The fabric, luxurious and sumptuous in appearance, appears to flow with the natural curves of the woman’s body, enhancing the sensual and inviting nature of the scene. The drapery, combined with the flowing water, conveys a sense of dynamic motion in an otherwise still and composed scene, highlighting the artist’s finesse in capturing textures.

Terrain: The Classical Setting

The setting of “Bath time” is undeniably classical, with its stone architecture and tranquil garden atmosphere. Behind the woman, we see hints of lush greenery and distant foliage that frame the composition, giving the piece a sense of depth and natural beauty.

The play of light on the stone columns and the vibrant green trees suggest a Mediterranean or Romanesque influence, common in Tojetti’s works, as well as in the broader tradition of academic painting in Italy during the late 19th century. This backdrop of classical elements serves to elevate the woman’s act of bathing, giving it a timeless quality, as if this moment could exist in any era.

The harmonious relationship between the figure and the environment creates a tranquil and almost ethereal atmosphere. The woman does not stand in stark contrast to the surroundings; instead, she seems a part of the landscape, the natural world. The clear blue sky peeking through the columns suggests a serene day, contributing to the overall sense of calmness and stillness that pervades the piece.

Style and Technique

Virgilio Tojetti’s style is rooted in the academic tradition, which was focused on realism and idealized representations of the human form. The artist employs soft, smooth brushwork to create a polished surface that enhances the realism of the figure. His attention to the play of light on the human body, as well as the reflective qualities of the surrounding water, demonstrates his technical prowess. The use of light is particularly striking, as it bathes the woman in a soft, almost heavenly glow, emphasizing her physical beauty and creating a sense of divine presence.

Tojetti’s use of color is also noteworthy. The cool tones of the background contrast with the warm flesh tones of the figure, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the subject. The rich reds and golds in the drapery create a visual harmony that ties the composition together, while the gentle hues of the sky and water evoke a peaceful, serene mood. The precision with which he renders every detail, from the textures of the fabric to the movement of the water, speaks to his mastery of the classical style, which was still highly prized in the academic art world of the late 19th century.

Theme and Mood

The theme of “Bath time” is one of quiet, intimate beauty. The act of bathing is often associated with cleansing, both physically and spiritually, and in this painting, it seems to represent a moment of personal reflection or renewal. The woman’s serene expression and graceful posture suggest a sense of tranquility and inner peace. The mood is calm, almost meditative, and the viewer is invited to partake in this quiet moment of beauty. The classical setting and the sensuality of the figure further elevate the painting to a level of reverence, as though the scene is a timeless celebration of the feminine form and the natural world.

Conclusion

“Bath time” by Virgilio Tojetti is a stunning example of late 19th-century academic painting. Through his mastery of the female nude, the classical setting, and his attention to texture and light, Tojetti creates a work that is both timeless and intimate. The painting captures a serene, almost otherworldly moment, where the viewer is invited to witness an act of private beauty, set against the backdrop of a classical Mediterranean landscape. The artist’s skillful use of color, texture, and composition makes this painting a standout piece in the tradition of academic realism, showcasing both the physical beauty of the figure and the quiet serenity of the scene.

This is a remastered digital art old masters reproduction of a public domain image that is available as a rolled canvas print online.

This digital art creation, as with all the artwork that can be found on the Xzendor7 website is available for purchase online in a variety of material formats including canvas prints, acrylic prints, metal prints, wood prints, framed prints, posters, and as rolled canvas prints in a variety of sizes from 12 inches to 72 inches depending on the size of the actual artwork and the print on demand shop you choose to buy the art from.

The artwork is also available on a broad range of men’s and women’s apparel, mugs, totes, scarfs, notebooks and journals and many home decor products.

About The Artist

Virgilio was born on March 15, 1849 to the Italian-American Painter Domenico Tojetti (1807 – 1892), and received his initial training from his father and then in Paris, France from the renowned French Painters Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824 – 1904) and William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825 – 1905).

Before coming to New York City in the United States in 1883, Virgilio lived in San Francisco for twelve years; and while in New York painted murals in various hotels; becoming popular as genre and fresco painter.