The Coiffure (Young Girl Combing Her Hair) 1896

Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s painting depicts a young woman in a private moment of grooming. During the late 19th century, when Renoir was active, women’s identities were often deeply entwined with societal expectations of beauty and domesticity. Here, the intimate act of combing hair transcends mere vanity; it’s a ritual that reflects the constraints and performances of femininity of the time. This young woman's act of self-care can be seen as a moment of both vulnerability and agency. She's caught between conforming to societal expectations and asserting her own identity. Renoir’s soft brushstrokes and delicate palette emphasizes her youth and innocence, while the subdued setting suggests a retreat from the public eye. The painting offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between personal identity and cultural norms, inviting us to reflect on the ways women have navigated these spaces throughout history.