![Théo van Rysselberghe - The Scarlet Ribbon (Le Ruban écarlate) [1906]](http://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5712/30879927200_692c81de82_b.jpg)
Until the 20th century, Théo van Rysselberghe’s artistic production was dominated by landscapes and portraiture. By 1905, however, van Rysselberghe found a new passion to depict in his artwork, that of the female nude, of which the present work is perhaps his greatest example. Van Ryseelberghe’s model at her toilette recalls several of Degas’ sensual bathers from the Impressionist era, as well as renditions by the Old Masters, including the great Rokeby Venus by Diego Velásquez.
[Sotheby’s, New York - Oil on canvas, 115.9 x 88.9 cm]