Influence and Inspiration: Joaquin Sorolla’s "After Bathing" and Francesco Hayez's "Susanna and Her Bath”
Joaquin Sorolla's 1892 painting “Despues del baño”, 1982, ("After Bathing") is often celebrated for its luminous portrayal of light and human form, a hallmark of Sorolla's impressionistic style. However, a striking immediate resemblance to Francesco Hayez's earlier masterpiece "Susanna and Her Bath" (1839) suggests that Sorolla may have drawn significant inspiration from this painting. Through thematic parallels, compositional choices, and stylistic elements, it becomes evident that Hayez's work played a pivotal role in shaping Sorolla's approach to "After Bathing."
Thematic Parallels
Both paintings explore the intimate theme of bathing, a subject that has fascinated artists for centuries. Hayez’s "Susanna and Her Bath" depicts the biblical story of Susanna, who is spied upon by two elders while bathing. This narrative not only delves into themes of purity and intrusion but also reflects the societal gaze upon female nudity and modesty. In "After Bathing," Sorolla similarly captures a moment of post-bathing tranquility, focusing on a young woman in a serene, almost sacred, state. While Sorolla’s painting lacks the explicit narrative tension found in Hayez’s work, the underlying theme of observing a private, vulnerable moment remains. This thematic resonance suggests that Sorolla was attuned to the narrative and emotional undertones present in Hayez's painting.
Compositional Choices
Compositionally, both paintings exhibit a striking focus on the female form, framed within a context that emphasizes their vulnerability and grace. Hayez positions Susanna centrally, her figure illuminated against a darker background, enhancing her visibility and underscoring her purity amidst the prying eyes of the elders. Sorolla, on the other hand, places his subject in a sunlit, outdoor setting, with the bright, natural light enveloping her form. The composition draws the viewer’s eye to the play of light on the woman's skin and the delicate textures of her surrounding environment. Despite the differences in setting—one indoor and mythologically charged, the other outdoor and grounded in everyday reality—the focus on the interplay of light and the centrality of the female figure in both works suggest a compositional homage.
Stylistic Elements
Stylistically, Hayez and Sorolla diverge in their approach yet share underlying similarities that point to influence. Hayez’s work is rooted in the Romantic tradition, characterized by detailed, dramatic realism and an emphasis on emotional expression. The meticulous rendering of Susanna’s skin and the evocative use of chiaroscuro create a palpable tension and highlight her innocence. Sorolla's artistic journey reflects a significant evolution in style. His earlier works, including "After Bathing," exhibit a more realistic and traditional approach, akin to Hayez's detailed and precise manner. In these early paintings, Sorolla's figures are rendered with a high degree of realism, capturing the subtleties of human anatomy and the interplay of light and shadow with remarkable accuracy. This realistic depiction aligns closely with Hayez's technique, where the focus on minute details and lifelike representation is paramount. As Sorolla's career progressed, his style became increasingly loose and impressionistic. Later works are characterized by broader, more fluid brushstrokes and a heightened emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color rather than precise details.
This evolution marks a shift from the detailed realism of his early period to a more expressive, impressionistic approach, reflecting the broader trends in European art at the turn of the century. "After Bathing," created in 1892, falls within Sorolla's earlier phase. The figure in this painting is depicted with a level of realism and anatomical precision that mirrors Hayez's meticulous style. The careful rendering of the woman's form, the nuanced play of light on her skin, and the attention to the surrounding environment all suggest an artist deeply engaged with traditional techniques. This realistic portrayal underscores the connection to Hayez, whose "Susanna and Her Bath" also emphasizes lifelike detail and a naturalistic approach to the human figure. Despite the differences in setting—one indoor and mythologically charged, the other outdoor and grounded in everyday reality—the focus on the interplay of light and the centrality of the female figure in both works suggest a compositional homage. The stylistic dialogue between Sorolla's early realism and Hayez's Romantic detail highlights how Sorolla admired and adapted Hayez’s mastery of light to fit his own evolving artistic vision.
Joaquin Sorolla’s "After Bathing" stands as a testament to his innovative approach to light and form, yet it also reflects a profound connection to artistic precedents. The thematic, compositional, and stylistic parallels between Sorolla's painting and Francesco Hayez’s "Susanna and Her Bath" highlight a lineage of inspiration that bridges Romanticism and Impressionism. By examining these connections, we gain a deeper understanding of how Sorolla’s work is both a continuation and a transformation of the artistic traditions that preceded him. This intertextuality enriches our appreciation of "After Bathing," situating it within a broader narrative of art history and influence.
Sources
"Sorolla: The Masterworks" by Blanca Pons-Sorolla.
"Francesco Hayez: The Complete Works" by Francesco Hayez.
"Nudity and Morality in European Painting" by Susan J. Terrio.
*"Light and Color in the Impressionist Tradition" by John House.
"The Romantic Tradition in Art" by Stephen F. Eisenman.