This painting is titled “The Naked Truth” or “Truth Emerges from the Well” by the artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, created in 1896.

The painting depicts the 19th-century myth about truth and lies. According to the legend, one day, truth and lies met. Lies said to truth, “The day is very beautiful.” Truth looked around doubtfully, then gazed at the sky, saw that the sun was shining and the weather was pleasant, so decided to spend the day with Lies.

Lies then suggested, “The water in the well is clear and warm; let’s go for a swim.” Truth again doubted but tested the water and found it indeed clear and warm. Both undressed and went for a swim.

Suddenly, Lies emerged from the well quickly, donned Truth’s clothes, and ran away. Truth emerged from the well, naked and furious, and tried to chase Lies. When people saw her naked, they were disturbed and turned away from her.

Feeling embarrassed, Truth returned to the well and did not reappear. Since then, Lies has been roaming the world dressed as Truth, and people accept Lies while refusing to see the naked Truth.