Woman at a Mirror (c. 1850)
by Johann Mongels Culverhouse
Dutch, 1820-1895
Johann Mongels Culverhouse was a Dutch artist known for his “candlelight paintings,” which were nocturnal scenes illuminated by moonlight or candlelight, reflecting the tradition of 17th-century Dutch painting. He is also recognized for his genre subjects, including taverns, markets, and streets, which he continued to paint after moving to the United States around 1849.
“Woman at a Mirror” is a work that draws on the Dutch tradition of genre painting. Culverhouse’s painting captures the spirit of ordinary life, focusing on a woman engaged in the intimate act of looking at herself in the mirror. This scene is likely to emphasize themes of vanity, beauty, or self-reflection, common in genre paintings of the time.
The painting’s style, with its attention to the effects of light and shadow, as well as the detailed rendering of textures and materials, showcases Culverhouse’s skill and his adherence to the techniques and themes of his Dutch predecessors. “Woman at a Mirror” stands as a testament to Culverhouse’s ability to blend traditional Dutch artistry with his own unique perspective, creating works that appealed to both European and American audiences of his time.
Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging