The Coiffure (also known as Young Girl Combing Her Hair) Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

Here we observe a portrait of a young woman engaged in the act of arranging her hair. The composition is vertically oriented, focusing intently on the subjects profile and upper torso. She appears to be seated before a dark backdrop, partially obscured by a heavy curtain that drapes from the left edge of the frame. This curtain introduces a sense of enclosure and intimacy, suggesting a private moment.
The artist has rendered the woman’s skin with a delicate palette of pinks, creams, and yellows, conveying a soft luminosity. Her hair, a rich auburn hue, is meticulously detailed as she gathers strands between her fingers. The focus on this intimate grooming ritual suggests an attention to personal presentation and perhaps a nascent awareness of feminine identity.
The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, hinting at introspection or a quiet contemplation. Theres a certain melancholy in the downturned eyes, which contrasts with the apparent youthfulness of her features. This juxtaposition creates a subtle tension within the portrait – a sense of vulnerability and perhaps even a touch of sadness. The simple white garment she wears further emphasizes her youthful innocence and underscores the focus on her natural beauty.
The brushwork is loose and impressionistic, contributing to an overall feeling of immediacy and spontaneity. The lack of sharp outlines and the blending of colors create a hazy atmosphere that softens the edges of the figure and contributes to the paintings dreamlike quality.
Subtly, the work explores themes of femininity, self-reflection, and the passage of time. It is not merely a depiction of an action but rather a glimpse into a private moment of introspection, hinting at the complexities of growing up and coming into one’s own identity. The curtain serves as both a physical barrier and a symbolic representation of the transition from childhood to womanhood.