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The Coiffure

Definition

The Coiffure refers to a painting by Mary Cassatt that depicts a woman sitting in front of a mirror, getting her hair done. It explores themes of femininity, beauty, and the private moments of women's lives.

Analogy

Imagine you're getting ready for a big event and you're sitting in front of your vanity mirror, carefully styling your hair. Just like the woman in The Coiffure, you're focused on enhancing your appearance and feeling confident.

Related terms

Impressionism: An art movement characterized by capturing fleeting moments and impressions of light and color. Think of it as taking a quick snapshot with your phone to capture the essence of a beautiful sunset.

Portraiture: The art of creating portraits or paintings that depict people. It's like taking a selfie or having someone paint your portrait to capture your likeness.

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women. It's about empowering women to have control over their own lives, just like the woman in The Coiffure has agency over her appearance.