Little Bather

The Little Bather dates from Thomas Couture's best period. A little girl of about 10 years is sitting in a garden on a bench covered with white drapery, her figure effectively setting off against the background of large leaves which form a decorative pattern. Her graceful pose, the head framed with curls and the thoughtful face create a realistic feeling and touching lyricism. The painting includes allegorical attributes: an apple (fruit of temptation) and a gold cross (symbol of faith) have associations with the Old Testament theme of the Fall and the Christian dogma of the Redemption.