The Cheval Glass 1876

Berthe Morisot painted "The Cheval Glass" with oil on canvas, capturing a moment of private reflection. As one of the few female Impressionists, Morisot often depicted domestic scenes and the lives of women in her social circle, providing a unique perspective on 19th-century French society. Here, we see a woman gazing at her reflection, perhaps contemplating her appearance or her place in the world. The loose brushstrokes and soft color palette create an intimate atmosphere, inviting us to share in her introspection. The mirror itself becomes a symbol of self-awareness and the complexities of female identity. Morisot once said, “I don't think there has ever been a man who treated a woman as an equal, and that's all I would have asked for, because I know I'm worth as much as they are." "The Cheval Glass" offers a glimpse into the inner world of a woman navigating the constraints and expectations of her time, inviting us to consider the ongoing struggle for equality and self-expression.