“Woman before a Mirror,” created by artist Kees van Dongen in 1908, is a quintessential example of the Post-Impressionism movement and falls within the genre of portraiture. The artwork illustrates a woman gazing into a mirror, seemingly lost in contemplation of her reflection.
The artwork depicts a woman dressed in a white attire, leaning slightly against a chest of drawers while looking into a mirror. Her reflection captures her face, which is painted with vivid colors, including green and pink tones that highlight her features in a bold and expressive manner. The background consists of muted purples and blues, which contrast sharply with the vibrant colors of the woman’s reflection. The mirror, set atop a deep red wooden dresser, frames the woman and her mirrored image, further emphasizing the depth and introspective nature of the piece. This portrayal is characterized by bold brushstrokes and a rich color palette, which are hallmarks of van Dongen’s Post-Impressionist style.
