French School, The Bathers, Ink and Watercolour on Paper, early 20th century

This early 20th-century ink and watercolour on paper represents three bathers in a refreshing palette of coral hues and vibrant blues, contrasting with the dark black of the ink. The undulating movement of the three bodies takes up the whole frame, with flowing brushstrokes creating a lush sense of movement. With alternating colour blocks and bodies verging on abstraction, the flatness of the scene recalls modernist experiments with space.

As a focal point, the face of the woman adds to the sense of vibrant energy of this joyous take on a classical subject. It is glazed and mounted in an original giltwood frame.