Before the mirror 1900

Carl Larsson gives us ‘Before the Mirror’ – a self-portrait - rendered in a loose, illustrative style. Larsson lived through a time of immense social change; his art often showed an idealized version of Swedish domestic life. In this instance, we see Larsson depicting himself as a confident and well-established artist. The red overcoat conveys a sense of status. Look at the sketched figures on the walls, they give us a glimpse into his artistic process. He seems to be capturing himself in a moment of preparation or reflection. Larsson was interested in portraying the beauty of everyday life, he wanted to make art accessible and relevant to the common person. This portrait invites us to consider the artist's identity, his role in society, and his personal connection to his art.