“Antoinette at her dresser” is an artwork crafted by the venerable artist Mary Cassatt in the year 1909. This piece is rendered in oil on canvas, and its dimensions span 92.7 by 72.39 centimeters. The painting is executed in the Impressionist style and classified within the genre of portraiture, showcasing the artist’s skillful approach to capturing the essence of day-to-day life and intimate moments.
The artwork depicts a young woman seated before a dresser with a circular mirror reflecting her form. Dressed in a flowing robe with pink and crimson hues, the subject holds a small hand mirror, appearing absorbed in the act of examining her reflection. The brushstrokes bear the characteristic looseness associated with the Impressionist movement, conveying the texture of the woman’s garments and the softness of her complexion.
The setting is intimate, possibly portraying a private moment within the confines of a bedroom or a personal space denoted by the items on the dresser, including what appears to be a bottle of perfume and a small container, possibly housing jewelry or cosmetics. Her hair is gathered up, further revealing the casualness of the scene. Despite the painting’s casual theme, there is an air of quiet elegance to the composition, and the play of light and shade adds depth and life to the forms depicted, demonstrating Cassatt’s skill in embodying the ethos of the Impressionist movement.
