Henry Coëylas (1844–1923) – Reverie In Front The Mirror, Oil On Canvas Circa 1880

Reverie before the Mirror Oil on canvas, 55 × 37.5 cm Style: Genre painting – academic style Belle Époque (late 19th – early 20th century) This delicate canvas by Henry Coëylas depicts a young woman standing before a large mirror, her eyes gently closed, as if absorbed in a moment of intimate reverie. In her right hand, she holds a small bouquet of flowers, a refined detail that adds a sentimental touch to the scene. A rich red drape envelops the top of the mirror, creating a theatrical atmosphere typical of elegant genre painting of the late 19th century. The interior in which the figure moves is particularly well-crafted: in the background, one can see a painting hanging, a chair covered with a green drape featuring colorful patterns, as well as a screen and an opulent rug that reinforce the bourgeois Belle Époque ambiance. The composition highlights the softness of the light, the richness of the fabrics, and the serenity of the woman's attitude. The intimate and subdued scene perfectly illustrates Coëylas's decorative sensibility and narrative elegance. Note: the canvas shows visible wear and rubbing in places, without detracting from the overall understanding of the work. Finally, the signature “H. Coëylas” is skillfully integrated at the base of the mirror, discreetly blended into the composition.