#21306 Lovis Corinth (1858-1925)

The composition presents a portrait of a woman in profile, her gaze directed downwards and slightly away from the viewer. The artist employed a vibrant palette dominated by warm tones – ochre, orange, and crimson – which imbue the scene with an intense emotional atmosphere. A significant portion of the canvas is occupied by the subject’s dark hair, rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes that suggest both volume and movement. These strokes contribute to a sense of dynamism within the otherwise contemplative pose.
The womans face exhibits a melancholic expression; her mouth appears slightly downturned, and her brow furrowed. She holds an object – likely a mirror – in front of her face, obscuring part of her features and creating a visual barrier between herself and the outside world. The reflection within the mirror is indistinct, adding to the ambiguity surrounding her identity and emotional state.
The application of paint is loose and impastoed, particularly evident in the rendering of the hair and clothing. This technique lends texture and physicality to the image, emphasizing the artist’s subjective interpretation rather than a purely representational depiction. The background appears blurred and indistinct, further isolating the figure and focusing attention on her internal world.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of introspection, self-reflection, and perhaps even sorrow or disillusionment. The act of looking into a mirror can be interpreted as an examination of one’s identity, but here it seems to evoke a sense of detachment rather than affirmation. The obscured features suggest a desire for concealment or a questioning of the self. The overall effect is one of quiet drama and psychological complexity.