Fotoreproductie van een gravure, voorstellende het toilet van Psyche c. 1876 - 1883

This is Léon Vidal's photorealistic reproduction of an engraving entitled "The Toilet of Psyche." The tale of Cupid and Psyche gained traction in the 17th century, and this image presents a scene of female intimacy. We witness Psyche attended to by several women; the composition allows us to consider relationships of care and also of servitude. With such an image, what are we to make of these women who ready Psyche? What are their lives like? Do they harbor ambitions of their own? During this time, women’s identities were often entwined with their roles in the domestic sphere, and such artistic depictions can act as historical documents that reveal the varied experiences of women during the 17th century, their labor, and their interpersonal relationships. The emotional weight of this image lies in the quietude of this scene. Vidal allows us to reflect on the silent stories of the women who have shaped history.