about

Fernando Botero painted many females making their toilet. This is a very fine example of one of his bathroom pieces. The viewer is looking at a female nude, standing in a light green tiled bathroom. The bathtub on her left is just being filled; water runs out of both the hot and cold tap. She has probably just undressed herself for taking a bath.

In her left hand the lady holds a mirror and her right hand is holding a comb. Although she is nude, it is obvious that she pays attention to her looks; perfectly polished pink nails, red lipstick, a well-groomed fringe and a purple tiara in her hair. She likes jewellery as well; a charming watch on her right wrist and a golden bracelet and necklace. Furthermore we see classical earrings with a tear-shaped pearl, just like Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. Although the woman is not smiling and looks serious, the scene breathes a light-hearted sphere.

provenance

Private Collection, Amsterdam, The Netherlands