Reflection 1942

Albert Urban created this intriguing print called Reflection, using a variety of tones. It depicts a seated figure facing their own reflection in a mirror. The mirror has been a potent symbol throughout history, promising self-knowledge but also reflecting vanity. It is often linked to Narcissus, the figure from Greek mythology who was so consumed by his own beauty that he wasted away staring at his reflection in a pool of water. The reflection, a doppelganger, haunts artists like Urban. We see it in other forms, like the tale of Echo and Narcissus. Here, the seated figure suggests a kind of self-absorption or introspection, typical of a modern subject. This image invites us to consider the psychological weight it carries, the emotional tension between self-admiration and the potential for self-destruction. The reflection, therefore, becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The mirror has resurfaced in various contexts, echoing through time and taking on new meanings.