The artwork titled “Woman at a Dressing Table” is a creation by Gustave Caillebotte, dating back to circa 1873. This painting is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement and is executed in oil on canvas. It measures 65 by 81 centimeters and is classified as genre painting. Presently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
“Woman at a Dressing Table” features a woman in an intimate indoor setting, ostensibly captured in a moment of private reflection or preparation. The woman is positioned with her back towards the viewer, her body slightly turned to reveal her profile. She gazes down while adjusting her attire, with the deliberate placement of her hands suggesting a moment of fastidious attention to her dress. The dressing table is adorned with a skirted cloth and arrayed with various toiletries and vessels, implying her engagement in the day’s grooming rituals.
The scene is further enriched by the reflection of the woman captured in the mirror above the table, offering a secondary view that emphasizes the artist’s interest in perspective and the play of light. The interior space is delineated with subdued yet harmonious colors, and the soft lighting contributes to the quiet atmosphere. In line with Impressionist principles, Caillebotte’s brushstrokes render the textures and contours with a sense of immediacy and tactile presence. The artwork emphasizes the everyday moment’s beauty and grace, capturing a scene both transient and timeless.
