Fotoreproductie van De behaagzieke, ontkleed door Antoine Wiertz before 1868

This is Edmond Fierlants’ photographic reproduction of Antoine Wiertz’s “The Vain Woman, Undressed”. The composition, monochromatic and softly focused, immediately invokes a sense of classical allegory. Note how the figure’s smooth, continuous lines and the subtle gradations of light and shadow emphasize the sculptural qualities, reminiscent of classical nudes. This aesthetic choice isn't merely about capturing form; it actively participates in the artwork's semiotic structure, inviting viewers to decode notions of beauty and vanity. The woman’s gaze, directed towards her reflection, suggests a closed circuit of self-regard, further reinforcing the theme. It challenges fixed meanings by prompting the viewer to question the nature of identity. What do the soft tonal gradations and the careful arrangement of elements say about the photographer's engagement with themes of representation? The artwork serves as a site for ongoing re-interpretation of beauty and self-obsession.