The artwork titled “Woman Before a Mirror” was created by the renowned artist Édouard Manet in 1877, in Paris, France. Utilizing oil on canvas as his medium, Manet crafted this piece within the Impressionist art movement. The painting, a genre painting, measures 92.1 by 71.4 cm, and is currently housed in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, New York, US.
The artwork depicts a woman viewed from behind as she gazes into an elegant oval mirror. Her reflection is partially visible, suggesting a moment of introspection or personal contemplation. The composition is rendered in loose, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of the Impressionist style, capturing the play of light and color upon the woman’s skin and dress. The soft pastels and delicate lines evoke a sense of intimacy and tranquility. The background features abstract patterns, further emphasizing the focus on the figure and the reflective surface of the mirror. Manet’s masterful use of texture and atmosphere invites the viewer into this quiet, personal moment.
