The artwork titled “Before the Mirror” was created by the esteemed artist Berthe Morisot in the year 1890. Crafted using the medium of oil on canvas, the piece is a quintessential example of the Impressionist movement. As a genre painting, it captures everyday life with a focus on personal and domestic scenes. The artwork belongs to a private collection, indicating its exclusivity and value among connoisseurs and art enthusiasts.
“Before the Mirror” by Berthe Morisot eloquently displays a woman in a moment of private reflection. The subject is captured from behind, gazing into a mirror that reflects her image from a slightly side-oriented angle. Her torso and arms are rendered with deft, fluid brushstrokes that manifest the hallmark characteristics of impressionism—loose form and an emphasis on the interplay of light and color rather than detailed precision. The woman’s poised figure adorning a delicate, sheer garment suggests an intimate setting, emphasizing the ephemeral beauty of the quotidian experience. Morisot’s use of vibrant yet harmonious colors along with spontaneous brushwork invokes a sense of immediacy and the fleeting nature of the moment being depicted. The backdrop and secondary elements of the painting are depicted with the same energetic execution, creating a cohesive composition that feels both dynamic and serene.