The painting “Young Woman at the Mirror” by Berthe Morisot, dated 1880, belongs to the Impressionism art movement. It is an oil on canvas with dimensions of 60.3 x 80.4 cm and is categorized as a genre painting. This work is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois, United States.
In the artwork, we see an intimate portrayal of a woman who appears to be getting ready or admiring herself at the mirror. The figure is painted facing away from us, with her back and partial profile reflecting in the mirror. She is dressed in a light-colored dress with hints of blue ribbons, which suggests a gentle and delicate femininity. Her hair is done up in a style typical of the period, and she may be fastening or adjusting an element near her neck as her right hand is raised behind her head. The mirror itself is only partially visible, framing the reflection of her face and showcasing the Impressionist style through its quick, loose brushstrokes and a soft focus on detail.
The background is suggestive of a domestic interior, light and airy, painted with the characteristic Impressionist light touch and visible brushstrokes that capture the play of light and color rather than detailing the form. The color palette is soft, utilizing pastels and an overall muted scheme, which imparts a calm and reflective mood. There is a sense of a private, tranquil moment, captured with sensitivity and a hint of fleetingness, as is common in Impressionist works. Morisot’s painting invites the viewer to consider the quiet beauty in everyday scenes and the inner world of her subjects.
