“Mirror II,” created by George Tooker in 1963 in the United States, is a tempera painting measuring 50.8 by 50.8 cm. It belongs to the Magic Realism art movement and is classified as a genre painting. The artwork is housed at the Addison Gallery of American Art (Phillips Academy) in Andover, Massachusetts.
The artwork depicts two figures, one younger and one older, closely examining a mirror. The intensity and detail of the facial expressions and the subtle use of light and shadow create a contemplative and intimate atmosphere. The figures are rendered in a highly realistic manner, yet the scene evokes a sense of the surreal, aligning with the tenets of Magic Realism. The mirror, central to the composition, elicits reflection and introspection, suggesting themes of time, aging, and identity. The careful use of tempera enhances the meticulous details and soft textures, enriching the painting’s reflective quality.
