The Coiffure study Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926)

Here we observe a woman engaged in the act of arranging her hair before a mirror. The composition is structured around this central activity, with the figure occupying nearly the entire frame. She sits on what appears to be a cushioned chair, draped in a simple white cloth that partially conceals her torso. Her posture suggests concentration and meticulousness; she leans forward, hands raised as if carefully manipulating strands of hair.
The mirror serves not merely as a reflective surface but as a compositional device, presenting a reversed image of the woman. This doubling creates an intriguing interplay between reality and representation, blurring the lines between subject and reflection. The mirrored figure appears slightly more distant, contributing to a sense of voyeurism – the viewer is positioned as an observer of a private moment.
The background is rendered in muted tones, dominated by a patterned wallpaper that introduces a decorative element without distracting from the central figure. A rug lies on the floor, its texture adding another layer of visual interest. The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing shades of red, white, and brown, which contribute to an overall sense of intimacy and refinement.
Subtleties within the work suggest deeper meanings. The act of coiffure itself was a significant ritual in the period this piece likely originates from, representing social status, femininity, and meticulous self-presentation. Here, however, the scene feels less about ostentation and more about an introspective moment of personal care. The womans expression is not readily discernible; she seems absorbed in her task, suggesting a focus on internal rather than external validation.
The simplicity of the setting and attire further reinforces this sense of quiet contemplation. It’s as if the artist sought to strip away extraneous details, leaving only the essential elements – the woman, the mirror, and the act of self-adornment – to explore themes of identity, representation, and the private rituals that shape individual perception. The work invites consideration of how we construct our selves through appearance and how these constructions are mediated by external observation.