Diana at the Bath 1830

James Ward made this oil painting called “Diana at the Bath” in the early 19th century. Looking closely, you can see that Ward built up the composition with broad, confident strokes. The way he laid down the paint has a lot to do with the final appearance. Ward was working at a time when industrialization was transforming artistic practice. The pre-mixed colors he used were becoming more widely available, impacting the labor required to create artwork, and, because of this mass production, what art would become. “Diana at the Bath” also reflects the social dynamics of its time. Notice the figure of the Black attendant at the left. This detail, rendered with less care than the idealized nudes, prompts questions about labor, race, and the unequal distribution of beauty and privilege. By considering the materials, making process, and historical context, we can appreciate this artwork beyond its surface appeal.