The Laboratory 1895

John Collier painted "The Laboratory" during the late 19th and early 20th century, a period marked by significant shifts in gender roles, class structures, and scientific advancements. Here we see a well-dressed young woman standing alongside an older scientist in his laboratory. The scientist appears to be analyzing a substance while the woman holds a mirror, seemingly preoccupied with her appearance. Collier positions the female figure as subordinate, in contrast to the male figure who is framed as intellectual. The gaze of the scientist is directed towards his work while the gaze of the woman is directed towards her own vanity. While Collier maintains traditional representations of gender and class, the painting also carries a hint of critique. Is the woman complicit in her objectification, or is she asserting a different kind of power through her beauty and social standing? The artwork invites us to reflect on the emotional and societal complexities of the time.