Reclining Woman with a Mirror c. 1860

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux made this sketch, Reclining Woman with a Mirror, using graphite on paper. The artist lived and worked in France during the 19th century, a time when art academies held significant power, dictating artistic standards and often prioritizing historical or mythological subjects. Carpeaux’s sketch offers a glimpse into the dynamics of representation and self-perception. Here, we see a reclining nude woman gazing into a mirror, a scene that invites reflection on gender, beauty, and identity. How might the woman in the sketch perceive herself, and how does the act of observing oneself shape our sense of self? Does she conform to traditional ideals or does she develop alternative narratives? Carpeaux's choice to depict a woman in a private, reflective moment offers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of female identity. Consider how this simple sketch captures the emotions and experiences tied to self-perception and representation, echoing across time.