The finishing touch (1903)

"The Finishing Touch" (1903) by Samuel Ehrhart is a vibrant and detailed illustration that captures a humorous moment in a domestic setting. This painting, rich in its depiction of early 20th-century interior design, showcases a lively scene within a middle-class home.The central focus of the artwork is a woman, dressed in a long blue-and-white striped dress with a large bow at the back, presumably a maid, attentively adjusting the chair of an older gentleman. The gentleman, who is engrossed in reading a newspaper, is seemingly unaware or indifferent to the goings-on around him. He wears a dignified gray suit and glasses, his expression one of concentration.Another woman, possibly the lady of the house, is seated comfortably in an armchair, dressed in a cozy maroon robe and holding a book or magazine, lending a relaxed air to the scene. The room is cluttered yet cozy, filled with elements that suggest a lived-in space — a vibrant carpet, ornate furniture, and decorative items like the vase of flowers on a small table add to the richness of the setting.This painting beautifully encapsulates a typical moment in household life, highlighting the interactions between servants and the family they work for. Ehrhart's use of color and meticulous detailing not only brings out the personalities of the characters but also perfectly reflects the interior design and fashion trends of that era.