Vrouw aan haar toilet 1705 - 1783

This small engraving, of unknown authorship, presents a woman at her toilette, surrounded by objects of adornment and self-fashioning. Here, the act of beautification transcends mere vanity. The mirror, a dominant symbol, serves as a portal to self-reflection and the construction of identity. This echoes through time, from classical depictions of Venus gazing at her reflection to more modern interpretations of women seeking an idealized image. The mirror is a potent symbol, one that reflects not only the outward appearance, but also the inward self. Consider the way the woman gently touches her hair, a gesture laden with meaning. It harkens back to similar poses found in Renaissance portraits, where delicate hand gestures conveyed refinement and status. But here, in this more intimate setting, the gesture takes on a new significance. It speaks to a private moment of self-care and contemplation. The visual language we see here has a cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving. It remains a compelling symbol of self-perception and societal expectation.