Badkamer 1752 - 1794

Pierre Gabriel Berthault created this print titled 'Badkamer'—or 'Bathroom'—which is currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Berthault lived through a revolutionary period marked by shifts in social norms. The print gives us a glimpse into the private rituals of the elite, highlighting the performative aspects of bathing in the late 18th century. The bathroom here isn't just a place for personal hygiene; it’s staged almost like a theater. Notice the curtains, the ornate decorations, and the elevated platform, transforming the act of bathing into a display of status and taste. Bathing became a carefully constructed spectacle, reinforcing social hierarchies through intimate, domestic spaces. The print suggests a broader commentary on privacy, luxury, and the ways in which personal spaces become stages for social performance. It’s a reminder that even our most private moments are often shaped by the world around us.