This sensuous early 20th-century etching by Danish artist Emil Rosenstand (1859–1932) depicts a young lady in her boudoir gazing into a hand mirror.

With smoky eyes and a sultry expression, she’s lost in her reflection. Is this an allegory of beauty or an incisive commentary on self-obsession? How do you read it?

Rosenstand was an interesting artist who, during the early part of his career, worked for The Flying Pages, a satirical magazine in Berlin. It was noted for its witty observations on fashion and often disparaging. Yet Rosenstand, while able to poke fun at overt haute couture, also produced an array of works that glamorised the same subject. On one hand he could ridicule, while on the other, he celebrated beauty.

Here we see both. A lady immersed in her fabricated world. Her boudoir, her society, her own impression.

Signed, framed and glazed.

Learn more about Emil Rosenstand in our directory.

Medium: Etching on paper
Overall size: 13” x 17” / 33cm x 43cm
Year of creation: c. 1901
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Artist’s auction highlight: £8,680 achieved for an oil painting, which was the original work for this etching, in 2003.