American artist Everett Shinn’s pastel “Actress in Red Before Mirror" blends impressionist and realist complexity in a way that brings dramatic energy to an intimate behind-the-scenes view of a young unidentified actress holding a small hand mirror while checking her hair in a larger full-length mirror, which also reflects another woman in a black outfit. The “actress” stands before a large, ornately gold-framed mirror. She's wearing a short, close-fitting, sleeveless reddish-orange dance or theatrical costume with tassels or fringe. She also wears white tights and white shoes. She has fair skin and dark hair styled up into bun. She's holding a small, round mirror and is caught adjusting her appearance. Her expression is one of quiet self-consciousness. Her reflection is visible in the mirror, slightly blurred, echoing her actions. Behind the woman, the background is dimly lit, but depicts a dressing room or backstage area. An assortment of items include a big blue hat light purple dress or skirt draped over a stand, a large umbrella leaning against the mirror frame, and a pair of black lace up, heeled shoes on the floor. A small, open trunk lies near the bottom of the painting, containing some dark, red, and blue fabrics. The overall atmosphere is intimate and somewhat nostalgic. The painting’s soft, muted colors and the lighting create a gentle mood, not overly dramatic, of a calm moment in the busy life of an actress, suggesting a moment of private preparation before a performance. Shinn was a member of the Ashcan School, led by Robert Henri, which defied “official good taste” in favor of robust images of real life. Shinn is best known for scenes of disaster or street violence, as well as theatrical subjects, such as this one, regarding the theatre as a place of satisfying illusion. He was the only Ashcan artist who preferred to work in pastels. Reportedly, Shinn was also the inspiration for the protagonist of Theodore Dreiser's novel “The Genius."
"Actress in Red Before Mirror" by Everett Shinn (American) - Pastel on paper / c. 1910 - Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, Tennessee) #WomenInArt #art #ArtText #PortraitofaWoman #artwork #pastel #EverettShinn #Shinn #AmericanArtist #HunterMuseum #HunterMuseumofAmericanArt #actress #BskyArt
