\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The artist took a very long time over this picture: he started it during his visit to Florence in 1820 and finished it upon
his return to Paris in 1856.\par
The allegorical figure of a woman, represented standing naked and in a manner consistent with the classical canon is at the center of the elongated vertical panel.\par
The smooth and pearly surface of her body reflects
the light as if it were made of wax.\par
The softness of her flesh is emphasized by the contrasting rough rock that surrounds the opening of the cave and that is only attenuated by two small flowers.\par
The gently curving lines of the figure create a
pattern of refined elegance and harmonious grace that counter the rounded forms of the terra-cotta jug.\par
The water that flows from the jug looks like a ribbon of silver that twists around itself before meeting the calm surface of the pool.\par
The p
ainting was greeted with enthusiasm from the moment it was first shown and became a model and source of inspiration for such great writers, poets and artists as Courbet, Seurat, Picasso and Magritte.
