Nude Woman by a Looking Glass 1889

Paul-Albert Besnard created this etching titled "Nude Woman by a Looking Glass" using delicate lines that create a range of tones from light to dark. At first glance, one senses the quiet intimacy of the scene. The composition is structured around the interplay between the figure and her reflection. The figure’s gaze meets the viewer's, creating a direct connection. The use of etching lines is particularly striking; Besnard uses hatching and cross-hatching to model form and create shadow. The mirror image complicates our understanding, raising questions about identity and representation. The lines give the impression of constant movement, as if identity were always in flux. Ultimately, this etching invites contemplation not only on its formal beauty but also on the broader themes of self-perception. It encourages a continuous re-evaluation of how we see ourselves and others.