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Footbath Collection

"From Ancient Rituals to Modern Comfort: The Fascinating History of Footbaths" In the world of relaxation and self-care, footbaths have stood the test of time

Background imageFootbath Collection: An 18th century lady taking a footbath is interrupted by a suitor

An 18th century lady taking a footbath is interrupted by a suitor. From Illustrierte Sittengeschichte vom Mittelalter
1000911 An 18th century lady taking a footbath is interrupted by a suitor. From Illustrierte Sittengeschichte vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart by Eduard Fuchs, published 1909.; Private Collection

Background imageFootbath Collection: Fashionable woman washing her feet after dressing, era of Marie

Fashionable woman washing her feet after dressing, era of Marie
5893582 Fashionable woman washing her feet after dressing, era of Marie; (add.info.: Fashionable woman washing her feet with a maid after dressing, era of Marie Antoinette. La Distraite)

Background imageFootbath Collection: Fashionable pouf bonnet from the era of Marie Antoinette

Fashionable pouf bonnet from the era of Marie Antoinette. Copperplate etching by Auguste Etienne Guillaumot from Costumes et coiffures du XVIIIe siecle, Costumes and hairstyles of the 18th century

Background imageFootbath Collection: Young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas)

Young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas)
492336 Young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas) by Boucher, Francois (1703-70); Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; French, out of copyright

Background imageFootbath Collection: Caring for the Sick, 1440-41 (fresco)

Caring for the Sick, 1440-41 (fresco)
ALI218396 Caring for the Sick, 1440-41 (fresco) by Domenico di Bartolo, (c.1400-47); Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala, Siena, Italy; Alinari

Background imageFootbath Collection: Alpine workers

Alpine workers
Workmen mending a fence on a mountain footbath Switzerland Date: circa 1957

Background imageFootbath Collection: A young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas)

A young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas)
5909711 A young woman taking a footbath, 1766 (oil on canvas) by Boucher, Francois (1703-70); 53.1x41.6 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; French, out of copyright

Background imageFootbath Collection: Foxhounds at Home (engraving)

Foxhounds at Home (engraving)
1044664 Foxhounds at Home (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Foxhounds at Home)

Background imageFootbath Collection: 2 Samuel 11 1-5 David sees Bathsheba bathing, from the

2 Samuel 11 1-5 David sees Bathsheba bathing, from the
STC67514 2 Samuel 11 1-5 David sees Bathsheba bathing, from the Nuremberg Bible (Biblia Sacra Germanaica) (coloured woodcut) by German School

Background imageFootbath Collection: An 18th Century Lady Taking A Footbath Is Interrupted By A Suitor

An 18th Century Lady Taking A Footbath Is Interrupted By A Suitor. From Illustrierte Sittengeschichte Vom Mittelalter Bis Zur Gegenwart By Eduard Fuchs, Published 1909

Background imageFootbath Collection: White earthenware, Plate 59

White earthenware, Plate 59, showing dishes, serving dishes, jugs, bowls and other items. Date: circa 1880s

Background imageFootbath Collection: The Death of Seneca, 1773 (oil on canvas)

The Death of Seneca, 1773 (oil on canvas)
XIR160439 The Death of Seneca, 1773 (oil on canvas) by David, Jacques Louis (1748-1825); 122.5x155 cm; Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee du Petit-Palais

Background imageFootbath Collection: Dairy farming, automatic washing and filling formaldehyde footbath used after milking dairy cows

Dairy farming, automatic washing and filling formaldehyde footbath used after milking dairy cows in Alpha Laval 50 point rotary parlour, Lancashire, England, April

Background imageFootbath Collection: Dairy farming, Holstein cows going through formaldehyde footbath after milking in Alpha Laval 50

Dairy farming, Holstein cows going through formaldehyde footbath after milking in Alpha Laval 50 point rotary parlour, Lancashire, England, April

Background imageFootbath Collection: Domestic Sheep, mule flock, running through footbath to prevent infections, Cumbria, England

Domestic Sheep, mule flock, running through footbath to prevent infections, Cumbria, England, September



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"From Ancient Rituals to Modern Comfort: The Fascinating History of Footbaths" In the world of relaxation and self-care, footbaths have stood the test of time. Dating back centuries, these soothing rituals have evolved into a symbol of indulgence and rejuvenation. Hoffman's captivating artwork from 1970 takes us on a journey through history, showcasing various depictions of footbaths across different eras. From an enchanting scene in 1850 where a woman exposes her left breast while sitting on a chair in her nightgown, to Marie Antoinette's era with its fashionable pouf bonnet. One cannot forget the oil paintings that capture intimate moments like caring for the sick or young women finding solace in their footbaths during the 18th century. These artworks not only showcase beauty but also highlight the importance placed on self-care throughout history. Even literature has embraced this timeless practice; as seen in "2 Samuel 11:1-5, " David catches sight of Bathsheba bathing - reminding us that footbathing transcends cultures and is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. Footbaths were not limited to leisurely activities; they were also essential for alpine workers who relied on them to soothe their tired feet after long hours spent laboring outdoors. The versatility of footbaths is further exemplified by White earthenware Plate 59, which showcases both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This piece reminds us that even everyday objects can be transformed into works of art. However, it was Eduard Fuchs' illustration from his book published in 1909 that truly captures our imagination - an 18th-century lady taking a footbath interrupted by a suitor. It serves as a reminder that even amidst life's interruptions, self-care remains vital.