Degas’ “After the Bath” Series

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

In June, The Wandering Art Historian book club completed a discussion of its sixth book this year – that’s a lot of books! – and I have to say that it was the most fun I have had in a long time! June’s book was The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro and I cannot recommend this book enough!

This book is like one of Stefon’s clubs – it has everything! More than just a fun mystery (which it totally is), this book tackles deeper art theoretical topics like the definition of a masterpiece, attribution, authenticity, what makes a work of art priceless, obsession and more. This book is perfect for any true crime lovers or anyone who is fascinated by art thefts and art forgeries… like me!

The painting that this book centers around does not actually exist, but is an amalgam of artworks by Edgar Degas that do exist in the real world. Degas’ After the Bath series depicts women (typically faceless and seen from behind) in various stages of drying off after bathing. Appearing as everything from pastel sketches to oil paintings on canvas, there are tons of these images in collections all over the globe.

Since I attempt a #CovidClassic inspired by the book we read each month in The Wandering Art Historian book club, I was stymied with what to do. I am committed to this project, but not enough to use my own human self in a recreation of any of Degas’ bathers!

Then it hit me…

Maybe my beagle, Chip, could help me out!

Top: Degas’ After the Bath series, assorted media, ca. 1890-1895

Bottom: Chip After the Bath, assorted filters, 2021

The Wandering Art Historian book club meets again in July to discuss…

Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman

Indiana Jones may be a fictional character, but Robert K. Wittman is the real deal!  This nonfiction book reads like a thriller and sheds light on the dark, mysterious and incredibly illegal activities of the art world’s underbelly.  Full of surprises, Wittman takes readers on an art historical adventure you won’t want to miss!

  • We meet via Zoom on Friday, July 30th from 11:00am – 12:30pm.
  • Discussion is limited to 12 participants.
  • Once payment is confirmed, your virtual “seat” is secure.
  • Cost to participate is $15.
  • If you are interested in participating, please contact me directly at WanderlustArts@outlook.

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.