#12121 Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The painting presents a female figure in a domestic interior, viewed from behind. She is nude and appears to be engaged in the act of adjusting a faucet or tap affixed to a wall. The composition is dominated by warm, muted tones – ochres, yellows, and browns – which contribute to an atmosphere of quiet intimacy and diffused light.
The figure’s posture suggests a moment of private ritual; she leans forward, her body curving gracefully as she interacts with the plumbing fixture. Her hair is dark and pulled back, emphasizing the contours of her spine and shoulders. The artist has rendered the skin with subtle variations in tone, indicating an understanding of anatomy and lights effect on flesh.
The setting itself is sparsely detailed. A mirror hangs above a console table, reflecting a portion of the room and adding depth to the space. A vase containing flowers sits atop the console, introducing a touch of domesticity and perhaps hinting at a sense of everyday beauty. The window, positioned centrally, serves as the primary source of illumination, casting soft shadows across the walls and floor.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of privacy, femininity, and the mundane aspects of existence. The figures nudity is not overtly sexualized; rather, it conveys a sense of vulnerability and naturalness within the confines of her personal space. The act of adjusting the faucet – a seemingly insignificant task – becomes imbued with symbolic weight, representing a connection to basic needs and routines.
The limited perspective and muted palette contribute to an overall feeling of introspection and quiet contemplation. It is not a scene intended for public display but rather a glimpse into a private moment, captured with sensitivity and restraint. The artist seems interested in exploring the beauty found within ordinary actions and the inherent dignity of the human form.