In Front of the Mirror

Let's move to the Paris of the Impressionists. 

In Front of the Mirror by Berthe Morisot is an amazing example of the artist's skill in portraying intimate and personal moments, a characteristic central to much of her work. Painted in 1890, this piece exemplifies Morisot’s ability to capture the quiet elegance of everyday life, particularly through the lens of femininity. The painting features a woman standing before a mirror, engaged in reflection. The soft, sketchy brushwork and delicate play of light and shadow emphasize the quiet introspection of the scene.

Morisot, a key figure in the Impressionist movement, was known for her ability to depict women's private and domestic realms with grace and sensitivity. Today's painting is no exception, as it subtly explores themes of self-perception and identity. The use of light, particularly how it reflects off the subject and the mirror, creates an intimate atmosphere, inviting the viewer into a private, almost contemplative space.

P.S. In our online course on French Impressionism, we dive deep into Morisot's style and life. If you'd like to learn more about this fascinating artist - one of the most important painters of that time, who experimented with the concept of ‘finished’ and ‘unfinished’ in her paintings - visit our platform and enroll here! :) 

P.P.S. To get to know the artist's works a bit more, here is Berthe Morisot in 5 paintings!