Toilet
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | NGMA Collection, Accession No. NGMA-02166 |
| Location History: | Created in British India (early 20th century); currently housed in the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, India (Accession No. NGMA-02166). The earlier provenance or ownership history has not been publicly documented by the museum. |
Toilet is one of Hemen Majumdar's best-known paintings and reflects his mastery of realistic portraiture. The artwork portrays a Bengali woman during a quiet moment of personal grooming. Rather than presenting a dramatic narrative, the painting focuses on an intimate everyday ritual. Majumdar uses soft lighting, careful modelling of the figure, and delicate rendering of fabric to create a sense of warmth and realism. The translucent drapery, subtle facial expression, and natural pose demonstrate his exceptional technical skill and his interest in capturing the grace and dignity of women. The painting belongs to the academic realist tradition and highlights the artist's ability to combine detailed observation with an atmosphere of calm elegance.