Woman in front of a mirror 1937

Mikuláš Galanda created this woodcut, ‘Woman in front of a mirror’ at an unknown date. He was a key figure in the development of modern Slovak art. Galanda sought to capture the essence of humanity through simplified forms. This print, with its stark contrasts and bold lines, reflects the influence of early 20th-century Expressionism, a movement that was skeptical of academic institutions and sought to create art that was more direct and visceral. Born in what is now Slovakia, Galanda lived through a period of intense political and cultural change, including the dissolution of Austria-Hungary and the rise of Czechoslovakian independence. Like many artists of his time, Galanda was interested in exploring the relationship between the individual and society. What kind of social pressures did women experience at this time? What ideals of beauty did they have to live up to? By studying Galanda's work in the context of his life and times, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural forces that shaped his art.