Woman with a Mirror 1640

“Woman with a Mirror” was painted by Peter Paul Rubens, though the date remains unknown. During the 17th century, the representation of women in art was often caught between ideals of virtue and objectification. Rubens, a leading figure in the Baroque movement, navigated these complexities by often portraying women with a certain sensuality and emotional depth. Here, the woman gazes into a mirror, seemingly lost in introspection. Her expression is soft, perhaps contemplative, as she examines her own image. Rubens was known for celebrating the female form. This appreciation challenges the more rigid expectations of women during the Baroque period. This work opens a window into the complex negotiation of identity, beauty, and self-awareness that women experienced during the 17th century.