After the Bath, as the Hispanic Society of American argues, is “without doubt one of Sorolla’s most magnificent and memorable works.” The beaches and beachgoers near Valencia often featured in the Spanish artist’s oeuvre are painted so convincingly that the viewer can almost hear actual waves breaking. The artist’s loose Impressionist style conveys the fleetingness of this moment—as quickly as the waves come and go, so too will the sun and clouds move, changing the lighting on this scene; and, just as quickly, will the young woman wrap up in the towel and walk away. Sorolla recognizes this brevity and paints quickly to match; he said, “I could not paint at all if I had to paint slowly. Every effect is so transient, it must be rapidly painted.”
Sorolla transports the viewer to the beach, reminding them of their own similar experiences. Light pours through the thin towel as the young man drapes it around the young woman. The wet fabric clings to her body, as though in need of wringing out. The sand beneath their feet is firm from waves consistently crashing atop it. Though the young woman’s hair is too dry to have been completely submerged, it has not escaped the water splashing nearby, nor the humidity in the air.
Before you head out on your own beach vacations this summer, we invite you to come view this painting one more time. After the Bath is on view in Spain and the Hispanic World: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum and Library through Saturday, June 15.
