La toilette
1773
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1773
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a woman sitting in a cozy room, dressed in fancy 18th-century clothes with ruffles and a big hat. She holds a small box in her lap while a dog sits nearby, looking up at her. Behind her, a mirror and a tall vase add to the room’s rich details, and a maid stands to the side, holding a dress. The title *La Toilette* hints this scene is about getting ready—maybe for a party or an event. The artist used shading to make the fabrics look soft and real, even though it’s just ink on paper. If you like this style, check out more about the technique: etching.
