Woman with a Mirror 1785 - 1799

This tapestry of a woman with a mirror was woven in Saint Petersburg at the Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory. The mirror, small and round, isn't merely a tool for vanity. It's an ancient symbol, seen in countless forms across history. Think of the Greek myth of Narcissus, consumed by his reflection, or the Roman goddess Venus gazing at her beauty. The mirror reflects not just an image, but also our deepest selves, our aspirations, and our fears. Across time, the mirror has morphed from a symbol of truth and self-awareness to one of vanity and illusion. In this tapestry, the woman's gaze, seemingly caught between her own reflection and the viewer, invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity. It stirs within us a primal curiosity about who we are and how we are perceived. The echo of this symbol continues. These reappearances are never exact copies, but cyclical reflections, each altered by the unique light of its own era.