Women Bathing: Day c. 1895

Camille Pissarro made this print, "Women Bathing: Day," using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The image depicts a scene of women bathing outdoors, a popular subject in French art. Pissarro, however, brings a unique perspective. Unlike the idealized nudes often seen in academic painting, these figures seem more grounded in the everyday. Made in France, we can see this artwork reflecting a shift towards representing modern life. Pissarro, associated with the Impressionist movement, often depicted scenes of rural life and labor. This intimate view of women bathing might be seen as a quiet commentary on the changing roles of women in society, or simply an appreciation for the beauty of the ordinary. Understanding the printmaking techniques of the time, as well as Pissarro’s political views, helps us see this artwork not just as a pretty picture, but as a reflection of its social and cultural moment. Historians consult a range of resources—letters, journals, and exhibition reviews—to deepen our understanding of the image.