The Art of Ablution: A History of Bathing and Intimacy
A review in artpress (May 2015) examines the book 'La Toilette – Naissance de l’intime' by historian Georges Vigarello and art historian Nadeije Laneyrie-Dagen. The work traces the evolution of sanitary practices and representations of the body over more than five centuries, exploring how private bathing rituals became a cultural and artistic subject. The review, written by Richard Leydier, highlights the book's interdisciplinary approach, combining social history with visual analysis of artworks depicting toiletry scenes from the Renaissance to modern times. The publication offers a unique lens on the changing boundaries between public and private life, as well as shifting standards of cleanliness and modesty.
Key facts
- Book title: 'La Toilette – Naissance de l’intime'
- Authors: Georges Vigarello (historian) and Nadeije Laneyrie-Dagen (art historian)
- Reviewed in artpress issue 422, May 2015, pages 88-89
- Reviewer: Richard Leydier
- Covers more than five centuries of sanitary practices and body representations
- Interdisciplinary approach combining social history and art history
- Explores the evolution of private bathing rituals and intimacy
- Traces changing cultural standards of cleanliness and modesty
Entities
Artists
- Georges Vigarello
- Nadeije Laneyrie-Dagen
- Richard Leydier
Institutions
- artpress
Sources
- artpress —