Vrouw kleedt zich om bij een spiegel 1898

This print, "Woman Dressing in Front of a Mirror", was made by an anonymous artist, and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It depicts a nude woman adjusting her appearance, gazing at her reflection. In the cultural context of the late 19th century, particularly in urban centers like Paris, the act of women dressing and adorning themselves became increasingly associated with the rise of consumer culture and the fashion industry. The mirror, as a symbol of self-reflection and vanity, became a common motif in art, reflecting societal anxieties about female identity and the gaze. The lack of a known artist for this work adds an interesting dimension, perhaps suggesting its creation within a specific institutional or commercial context. To fully understand this image, one would benefit from examining the broader historical context through sources from fashion history, gender studies, and the history of commercial art. This print, therefore, acts as a time capsule, reflecting the shifting social dynamics of its era.