Ballerina Sitting in front of a Mirror 

This sketch by Alexander Shenderov depicts a ballerina seated before a mirror, her posture suggesting a moment of introspection. The mirror, a potent symbol, has long been associated with self-reflection and vanity, tracing back to ancient myths of Narcissus. Here, the ballerina's mirrored image evokes a dialogue with the self. Consider the dance of Salome, often depicted with mirrors, reflecting not just her image but her inner turmoil and desires. This motif transcends time, appearing in various forms across cultures, from vanitas paintings reminding us of life's transience to modern works exploring identity. There is a potent, almost melancholic, quality to the image. The act of looking into a mirror has an emotional charge, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring collective memories and personal introspection. The mirror is not merely a reflective surface but a threshold to the psyche, a theme that recurs throughout art history. Ultimately, this sketch reveals the mirror's cyclical journey through art, perpetually evolving yet eternally linked to our deepest selves.