Must have been tough on that model, if it was painted from life.
voyagersays
@DonDueed
According to Wikipedia, Degas did use live models, often from amongst the working class. He is quoted as saying,
“my women are simple, honest creatures who are concerned with nothing beyond their physical occupations… it is as if you were looking through a keyhole” emphasising the innocence of the models and the voyeurism of the predominantly male viewing public.
Ice Swimmersays
That’s a shallow tub. If I’d have to bath in that, the floor would be moldy as hell quite soon. Makes one think about the material conditions of the time.
As for the treatment of the models and male gaze, the George Orwell essay Benefit of Clergy sprung into my mind. I’m not saying that Degas was necessarily wicked in the way Dalí was. Was the sexism and classism I see in the quote as jarring when Degas said that, as it feels now?
Jazzletsays
Ice Swimmer
If you read older novels and there is mention of a ‘sponge bath’ this is what the novelist was talking about, you washed down your body with a sponge. Obvioulsy far less work for your servants were you fortunate enough to have them, and possible even if you had no servants.
Must have been tough on that model, if it was painted from life.
@DonDueed
According to Wikipedia, Degas did use live models, often from amongst the working class. He is quoted as saying,
That’s a shallow tub. If I’d have to bath in that, the floor would be moldy as hell quite soon. Makes one think about the material conditions of the time.
As for the treatment of the models and male gaze, the George Orwell essay Benefit of Clergy sprung into my mind. I’m not saying that Degas was necessarily wicked in the way Dalí was. Was the sexism and classism I see in the quote as jarring when Degas said that, as it feels now?
Ice Swimmer
If you read older novels and there is mention of a ‘sponge bath’ this is what the novelist was talking about, you washed down your body with a sponge. Obvioulsy far less work for your servants were you fortunate enough to have them, and possible even if you had no servants.