Renzolla sees her Face in-the Mirror Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

The drawing presents a scene unfolding within what appears to be a rustic interior space, possibly a chamber or stable. A man, distinguished by his elaborate turban and long beard, stands observing a young woman who is positioned before a circular mirror. The womans face has been transformed into that of a goat, complete with horns and an altered snout; she seems to be reacting with surprise or dismay at her reflection.
The artist employs a stark black-and-white palette, relying heavily on line work to define form and texture. This stylistic choice lends the drawing a sense of immediacy and narrative clarity, reminiscent of woodcut illustrations common in storytelling traditions. The lines are detailed, particularly in rendering the man’s attire and the architectural elements of the room.
The composition is tightly framed, focusing attention on the central interaction between the characters. The mirror serves as a crucial element, not only revealing the womans altered appearance but also acting as a symbolic portal to an alternate reality or hidden truth. The mans posture – leaning forward with his hand raised towards the mirror – suggests curiosity and perhaps a degree of complicity in the unfolding events.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of deception, identity, and transformation. The woman’s unexpected metamorphosis could be interpreted as a metaphor for hidden nature or an unwanted revelation. The mans presence introduces an element of intrigue; is he responsible for this change, or merely a witness? The setting itself – the rough-hewn interior – hints at a world removed from societal norms, where the fantastical can intrude upon the everyday.
The inscription beneath the image provides a direct narrative clue, but it also reinforces the sense that what we are witnessing is a moment of profound and unsettling discovery.