#38084 Eduardo Naranjo

The drawing presents a young girl positioned before a tall, ornate mirror. The composition is divided into two distinct planes: the immediate reality of the girl and her reflection within the mirrors frame. She stands with a slightly hesitant posture, her gaze directed outward, yet subtly drawn inward by her own mirrored image. Her attire suggests a period setting – a high-necked dress with delicate lace detailing and a small pendant around her neck. The hair is styled in an elaborate manner, typical of late 19th or early 20th century fashion.
Within the mirrors reflection, we see a second iteration of the girl, but this figure appears more distant, almost spectral. She stands with a similar posture to the living girl, yet there’s a sense of detachment and fragility about her presence. The background visible through the mirror is blurred, creating an impression of depth and suggesting a space beyond immediate perception.
At the base of the mirror, scattered roses lie on what appears to be a wooden floor. These flowers are rendered with a degree of decay – their petals droop, and their color seems muted, hinting at loss or fading beauty. The presence of these withered blooms introduces an element of melancholy into the scene.
The drawing’s tonal range is predominantly monochromatic, relying on subtle gradations of light and shadow to define form and create atmosphere. This limited palette contributes to a sense of introspection and quietude. The artist skillfully uses contrast to highlight certain features – the girls face, the details of her dress, and the texture of the roses – while allowing other areas to recede into shadow.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of identity, memory, and loss. The mirrored image could represent a past self, an idealized version, or perhaps even a premonition of future change. The scattered roses suggest a moment of decline or remembrance, possibly linked to the girls personal history or emotional state. The overall effect is one of poignant reflection, inviting contemplation on the ephemeral nature of time and the complexities of self-perception.