Bathing by Laura Knight (1877-1970)

“Bathing” is a painting by the English artist Dame Laura Knight (1877–1970)1. Knight was a painter in the figurative, realist tradition and embraced English Impressionism. In her long career, Knight was among the most successful and popular painters in Britain. Her success in the male-dominated British art establishment paved the way for greater status and recognition for women artists.

The painting “Bathing” is a part of a series that includes “The Bathing Pool”, “A Summer’s Day by the Rock Pool”, “Divers” and "The Dark Pool". In “Bathing”, a girl in a bright red cap is depicted lowering herself into the water. The painting captures the playful pleasures of taking a dip in tepid rock pools. It is an enduring expression of British summertime.