Jonge actrice maakt zich op voor de spiegel 1838

Paul Gavarni created this print, *Young Actress Preparing in Front of the Mirror*, in the 19th century. The mirror, a symbol of vanity and self-reflection, dominates the scene. It reflects the actress’s image as she applies makeup, a ritual of transformation. This act of transformation calls to mind other images across time where figures use mirrors not merely for reflection, but as portals to altered identity or deeper truths. Think of the vain goddess in a baroque painting gazing at her own reflection. The mirror both reveals and conceals, promising beauty while masking the self. Here, the mirror suggests not just vanity, but also the constructed nature of identity. What we see is not the actress's true self, but a carefully crafted image for the stage. Gavarni captures the complex interplay between reality and illusion, reflecting the human desire to present an idealized self to the world. It is a timeless dance, echoing through art history.