Power: A Cultural History of the Bath" charts the evolution of bathtubs and bathing accoutrements across cultures and eras, reflecting each period in their design and purpose. A place for purity and gender rolesThe phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" originates from an 18th-century sermon, but the connection between good hygiene and religious purity is ancient. It shows the routines of Ancient Greek athletes, who applied oils before training in the sun, followed by bathing and vigorous scraping with a strigil tool. The Roman goddess Diana became a popular figure to paint in Rococo art because of myths that include her bathing rituals. "The images' message is clear: the relations of power had changed," writes curatorial assistant Carolin Potthast in the book.

Source: CNN February 16, 2021 07:30 UTC