Late 16th Century (02:23)

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French citizens showed an appreciation for refinement, yet conflicts between Catholics and Protestants divided the country. Francois Clouet completed "A Lady in Her Bath" in 1571.

Portrait Composition (01:59)

Curtains in paintings create a frame. Clouet uses three female archetypes in the genre scene.

Middle Ground Imagery (02:19)

Clouet's painting is reminiscent of Flemish works. Consider the composition of the nursemaid and baby in "A Lady in Her Bath." An expert discusses 16th century customs regarding infants.

Foreground Imagery (03:48)

Consider the composition of the sovereign woman in "A Lady in Her Bath." Diane de Poitiers and Gabrielle d'Estrées commissioned nude portraits. Painters drew inspiration from mythological and biblical episodes as seen in the baths of the Château de Fontainebleau.

Francesco Primaticcio (03:01)

Primaticcio painted works for Francois I in the Château de Fontainebleau and greatly influenced the art movement. Some works flirted with eroticism

Compositional Symbolism (02:45)

Clouet scatters details throughout "A Lady in Her Bath" which can be viewed as ambivalent symbols. Within eight years, three religious wars were fought

Portrait Observation (03:43)

Consider the sovereign lady's features and accompanying background details; it may be a portrait of the Queen of Scots. King Charles IV and Catherine de Medici admired Clouet; the regent was responsible for Clouet's education and annuity.

Body Composition (03:03)

The sovereign lady's body represents idealized perfection, maintaining the antique ideal preferred by many artists. The use of cosmetics and beauty care products increased in the 16th century.

Nudity and Virtuousness (01:59)

Nostradamus' predictions were popular during the period of religious conflict. Clouet completed "A Lady in Her Bath" during the fourth war of religion.

Credits: A Lady in Her Bath by Francois Clouet: Smart Secrets of Great Paintings (00:40)

Credits: A Lady in Her Bath by Francois Clouet: Smart Secrets of Great Paintings