In front of the swing mirror 

Emile Galle painted this oil on canvas, entitled ‘In front of the swing mirror’, in France. It depicts a woman admiring herself in a mirror, bedecked in finery: a feathered hat, a fur stole, and elegant gloves. At first glance, this seems like a straightforward depiction of bourgeois life. But consider the role of fashion magazines in shaping the aspirations of women at this time, and how the male gaze often objectified them. Galle’s painting can then be seen as a commentary on the societal pressures faced by women in late 19th-century France. To fully understand this piece, we could delve into periodicals of the era, scrutinizing fashion trends and social commentaries. We could research the institutions that promoted certain ideals of beauty and femininity. Doing so will enrich our appreciation, and provide us with invaluable insight into the work’s cultural significance.