Nude Woman with a Mirror (Vanitas)

A nude woman stands in a classical contrapposto pose facing the viewer, with one hand pointing down and the other holding a mirror. This pose suggests that Hans Kulmbach meant to depict the allegorical figure of Vanity.

Relying only on line, Kulmbach created subtle gradations of light and shadow. His fine hatching emphasizes the play of light over the woman's body. Curving strokes convey the muscular strength of her legs, the swell of her belly and rounded breasts, and the shadows on her long arms. He also used a tight pattern of cross-hatching that seems to radiate from her figure to create the appearance of a darker background. This tactic also has a three-dimensional effect, bringing her body further forward and thereby making her seem to step toward the viewer.