A Fair Reflection

Freedom, tranquility, and balance – these are what the 21st-century world needs most, and what you will feel with extraordinary clarity in Müller's painting "A Fair Reflection."

"A Fair Reflection" (1860/1880) by Charles Louis MullerArt Palace of Georgia - Museum of Cultural History

Müller was well-known among the nineteenth-century Parisian bourgeoisie for his portraits. The example of the presented work clearly reveals Müller's aspirations and interest in orientalist portraits, representing the attractions of the East and its exotic charm

The artist paid great attention to the faces and expressions of his characters. His paintings focus more on gestures than on landscapes and attire. The presented work is a prime example of this. The painting conveys an incredible atmosphere of freedom and serenity. 

Who is this lady– or rather whose portrait did Müller paint?

This question is extremely difficult to answer today, especially since nothing is known about this subject. Nevertheless, the Georgian Duke Andria Dadiani, who owned the painting in the 19th century, believed that it portrayed a Georgian woman.  The reason for this presumption was the woman’s exotic appearance. 

A mother and child

They have just woken up, the woman is clothed in a free manner. The little girl standing behind her mother is barefoot. She is playing with her mother’s hair and necklace. It is early in the morning, and the first glow of the golden dawn appears behind a burgundy curtain.

With remarkable mastery, the same golden hue is used to depict the child’s hair, which falls freely from under the woman's long, dark hair. The young girl's movement is momentarily captured and portrayed. Her face is peaceful and carefree.  

The child's fingers and gaze are directed with great interest towards the woman’s pearl necklace. The composition and rhythm of the figures’ movements make it seem as if everything is moving towards freedom.

Beautiful rose petals attractiveness

In nineteenth-century paintings, the language of symbols was of great importance. The inclusion of flowers, namely the rose, occupied a prominent place as it was a symbol of love, youth, and attractiveness. 

However, the symbolism of flowers in this picture does not end there. Behind the balcony railing, beautiful and abundantly sprouted branches of mallows emerge. They are a symbol of wealth and passionate love. 

Mirror- The special symbol

Using the mirror and its reflection, the artist shows us the scenery that lies beyond the frame. Light and shadows play in this small reflection, and through the lightened tunnel, we seem to be transported to a distant yet mysterious world.  

Everything in the painting is dynamic. We feel as if we have been witnessing the movements for a fleeting moment. This effect is conveyed through the depiction of the child's foot and the woman's supporting hand - the ephemeral rhythm of their movement. 

Credits: Story

George Kalandia
Mariam Kikvadze
Nutsi Kachakhidze
Irakli Zambakhidze


Special thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia and Minister Tea Tsulukiani

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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