Female Nude – Combing – Interior Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

The composition presents a female figure engaged in a domestic ritual within a confined interior space. Here we observe a woman standing before a bed, actively combing her long hair. Her posture is upright, yet relaxed; the arm raised to brush her hair exhibits a casual grace, while the other hand rests gently on her hip. The nude form is rendered with an emphasis on naturalism, avoiding idealization and presenting a body marked by subtle imperfections – a quality that contributes to a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
The setting itself is deliberately simple. A large bed dominates the background, draped in rumpled white sheets accented by a vibrant red bolster. To the right, a dark wooden bedside table provides a grounding element, its surface partially obscured by the folds of the bedding. At the base of the composition, a pair of discarded shoes lie on a patterned rug, further reinforcing the sense of an interrupted moment within a private sphere. A small dog rests upon the bed, seemingly undisturbed by the woman’s activity; it adds a touch of domesticity and companionship to the scene.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. The dominant green wall serves as a backdrop that allows the flesh tones of the figure and the red accent on the bedding to stand out. The muted earth tones of the furniture contribute to an overall feeling of quiet intimacy.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of femininity, privacy, and domesticity. The act of combing hair is presented not as a display of vanity but as a commonplace activity, suggesting a vulnerability and openness. The nudity itself isnt overtly sexualized; rather, it appears to be an element of naturalness within this private setting. The presence of the dog hints at companionship and comfort, while the discarded shoes imply a moment of respite or transition.
The artist’s choice to depict such a commonplace scene with such directness suggests an interest in portraying everyday life without embellishment. It is a glimpse into a personal space, offering a quiet contemplation on the ordinary moments that constitute human existence.