On Beauty
What is Hendrickje Bathing
help
help
Hendrickje Bathing is a symbol for Howard finally understanding how to separate his work and his personal life. Howard lectures on this painting at the very end of the novel, and sees Kiki in the audience. He is taken aback by her beauty, and is able to recognize that same beauty in the painting. Slowly, it appears he is emerging from the corruption of love and academia that has plagued him.