Woman at her Toilet (Steen)

Woman at her Toilet is a painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Steen, completed around 1660. The artwork depicts a woman, presumably a member of a well-to-do household, attending to her personal grooming. The "toilet" in the title refers not to a lavatory, but to the broader act of preparing one's appearance, including activities like combing hair, applying makeup, and dressing.

Steen was known for his genre scenes, often incorporating moralistic or humorous elements. Woman at her Toilet is generally interpreted as a representation of vanity, and possibly also alludes to the transience of beauty. The details within the painting, such as the rich fabrics and the presence of a servant, suggest the woman's privileged status, while the act of self-adornment is presented in a way that encourages contemplation on its inherent meaning. The artwork showcases Steen's characteristic attention to detail and his ability to capture everyday life with a blend of realism and subtle social commentary. The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.