Nude Woman Holding a Mirror (Allegory of Vanitas)

Nude Woman Holding a Mirror (Allegory of Vanitas)

Jacopo de' Barbari

1504

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

The image depicts a nude woman standing in front of a dark background, holding a mirror in her left hand. She has long hair that falls down her back, and her body is turned slightly to the right. Her right hand is placed on her hip, and her left arm is bent at the elbow, holding the mirror up to her face. The woman's body is rendered in fine detail, with visible lines and shading that give the impression of texture and depth. The mirror she holds is also detailed, with a subtle reflection visible on its surface. The overall effect of the image is one of quiet contemplation, as if the woman is lost in thought as she gazes at her own reflection. To learn more about the artist behind this work, explore the Renaissance movement and the techniques of engraving and cross-hatching.

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