A Young Artist (Ditlev Blunck) Examining a Sketch in a Mirror

A young artist is taking a break from his work, holding up a study in front of a mirror to see how the composition would look in reverse. The picture gives an impression of how the painters of the time saw themselves: As serious, self-aware artists. The particular painter in this picture is standing in a crowded room surrounded by his tools and paraphernalia: a paintbox, palette, and easel as well…