Nude at Mirror

A young woman in a transparent gown and black slippers stands against a mirror that reveals her bare shoulder. She braids her hair, her upraised arms cleverly concealing her breasts. The conspicuously crumpled cloth on the chair at the lower right of the image is a subtle reminder of the ordinary circumstances of the photographic sitting: this is not an actual glimpse into a boudoir but a model posing for the camera. The fabric was likely the model's clothing, unceremoniously cast off as she assumed the role of seductress. Likewise, the rope that appears to hold erect the mirror at right is a reminder of the smoke-and-mirrors theatricality that was common in photographic studios.

getty.edu, Interpretive Content Department, 2008.