[1][2] A work of modernism,[3] the painting draws influence from the frescoes of Ajanta and the miniatures of Mughal art, thereby resulting in a masterful amalgam of Indian and European styles.

[4] Part of Sher-Gil's well known South Indian trilogy, comprising also Brahmacharis and South Indian Villagers Going to Market,[5] Bride's Toilet explores the simplicity and uniqueness of rural life, a recurring subject in her later paintings.

A number of later artworks revolved around the poor and the underprivileged, the commonfolk and their struggles.

[11][12] The painting demonstrates Sher-Gil's curious interest in women, their lives and adversities.

[13] The painting was one of 33 of Sher-Gil's works displayed at her solo exhibition at Faletti's Hotel in Lahore, British India, held from 21 to 27 November 1937.