Vrouw past een jurk voor de spiegel 1844

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, held at the Rijksmuseum, presents a woman trying on a dress before a mirror, rendered in a style that emphasizes the stark lines and tonal contrasts of the medium. The composition is dominated by the figure, whose reflection complicates our understanding of space and perception. Daumier uses sharp, deliberate strokes to define the woman's form and her surroundings. Notice how the reflected image is not a direct replica but a subtly distorted version, which introduces a psychological dimension to the scene. The mirror, a traditional symbol of vanity, here raises questions about identity and self-perception. Daumier was deeply engaged with the social and political issues of his time. His use of caricature and satire often challenged the status quo. What can be said, then, about beauty and the gaze in 19th-century France? This artwork remains a fascinating exploration of representation and the complexities of human nature, inviting us to continually question our interpretations.