Edgar Degas’ artwork, “Madame Jeantaud in the mirror,” created in 1875, is a quintessential example of Impressionism, executed in oil on canvas. Measuring 84 by 70 centimeters, this portrait now resides at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France. The artwork showcases Degas’ finesse in capturing light and reflection, alongside his unique perspective on contemporary life.
In the artwork, a woman, identified as Madame Jeantaud, is depicted in a profile view as she gazes into a mirror. The reflection shows her face, which is not sharply detailed, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy characteristic of Degas’ style. She appears dressed in a long, dark coat adorned with a flower and a light hat, rendering a fashionable appearance typical of the era. The background features muted tones, with the mirror cleverly positioned to reflect the subject, thereby adding depth to the composition and focusing attention on Madame Jeantaud’s contemplative expression. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, contributing to the feeling of a fleeting moment captured in time. The influence of the Impressionist movement is clearly visible in the portrayal of light, shadow, and the atmosphere of the setting, echoing the broader tendencies of the period to depict modern life with an emphasis on the sensory experience rather than meticulous realism.
