Morisot, Berthe (1841-1895) – The Cheval Glass National Museum of Women in the Arts

The canvas presents a woman observed in front of a cheval glass. She stands partially turned away from the viewer, her gaze directed towards her reflection. The composition is dominated by soft, diffused light and a palette of muted tones – creams, whites, pale yellows, and touches of rose – that contribute to an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.
The woman’s attire consists of a white dress with delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves, accented by a dark ribbon at her neck. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, suggesting a degree of formality or preparation for an event. The reflection in the mirror duplicates her pose and clothing, but with a subtle shift in perspective that creates a sense of depth and complexity within the scene.
The background is rendered with loose brushstrokes, depicting what appears to be a room with draped curtains and a glimpse of floral patterns on upholstered furniture. These details are not sharply defined; instead, they blend into the overall luminosity, further emphasizing the woman as the central focus. The floor is covered by a deep red rug that provides a grounding element within the otherwise ethereal composition.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a woman before a mirror, the painting hints at themes of self-perception and identity. The act of observing oneself in a mirror often involves introspection and evaluation; here, the woman’s posture suggests a moment of quiet contemplation rather than overt vanity. The blurred background and soft lighting contribute to an impression of fleeting time and subjective experience.
The artists technique – characterized by visible brushstrokes and a lack of precise detail – suggests an interest in capturing the ephemeral quality of light and atmosphere, prioritizing feeling over photographic accuracy. This approach lends the work a sense of immediacy and invites viewers to engage with the scene on an emotional level. The composition’s intimacy and focus on domesticity also suggest a deliberate exploration of female experience within a private sphere.