Tepidarium 1853

Théodore Chassériau made this painting, Tepidarium, using oil paints and brushes, in the mid-nineteenth century. Chassériau has expertly applied thin layers of paint, a process known as glazing, to create a luminous and sensual atmosphere, and the sheen on the figures’ skin is achieved through the artist's skilled manipulation of the materials. Oil paint, made from pigments mixed with oil, allowed the artist to build up layers of color and create subtle gradations of tone. The smooth finish and carefully blended brushstrokes enhance the dreamlike quality, inviting viewers into this intimate scene. The social context is evoked by the women's postures and expressions, as they occupy a space of both leisure and display. The labor is on the part of the artist, who is both interpreting and transforming the culture he inhabits. This kind of work challenges any divide between artistic skill and the broader, lived experiences of its time.