Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Robert Lewis Reid died in 1929; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1999.
In context
The Mirror — Robert Lewis Reid
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 67 at death.
Painted when the artist was 48. The artist lived to 67. 13 of the 25 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Robert Lewis Reid (1862–1929) ▲ this work, 1910 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1899 Main working years: 1899–1911 Late works: from 1911
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wikioo.org/en/art/similar/robert-lewis-reid-the-mirror-8DP9DA-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Gray #5a6976
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 84.4% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 70 works by this artist, of which 28 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
The Mirror — Robert Lewis Reid
The Robert Lewis Reid painting, The Mirror, is a stunning example of American Impressionism. Created in 1910, this oil on canvas masterpiece showcases the artist's unique style and technique. The painting is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C.
Robert Lewis Reid's work is characterized by its decorative and intimate nature, often featuring young women surrounded by flowers. In The Mirror, the artist employs a range of colors and brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and texture. The woman's face is turned away from the viewer, adding an air of mystery to the painting. Key Features of the painting include:
A beautiful woman with long hair, wearing a blue dress with a floral pattern
A mirror in the background, reflecting the woman's image
Two birds visible in the background, adding a touch of whimsy to the painting
Robert Lewis Reid was an American Impressionist painter and muralist, known for his decorative and intimate works. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in the United States, featuring a vast collection of American art from the colonial period to the present. You can find more information about the museum and its collections on AllPaintingsStore.com and Wikipedia.
The The Mirror painting is a must-see for art lovers and enthusiasts of American Impressionism. With its beautiful colors, intricate details, and captivating subject matter, it is a true masterpiece of the genre. Whether you are interested in purchasing a handmade oil painting reproduction or simply learning more about the artist and his work, AllPaintingsStore.com is the perfect resource.
Artist and museum
Born in Stockbridge, United States of America
Robert Lewis Reid, born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1862, emerged as a pivotal figure in the blossoming landscape of American Impressionism. His artistic journey was one of constant evolution, marked by a dedication to both traditional techniques and innovative approaches to color and light. From his formative studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston under Otto Grundmann, where he honed foundational skills in draftsmanship, Reid embarked on a path that would see him become not only a celebrated painter but also a respected instructor and muralist. His early exposure to European art during his time in France, particularly at Étaples, ignited a fascination with depicting everyday life – scenes of French peasants initially captured his attention, revealing an inclination towards realism tempered by artistic sensitivity. However, this period was merely the prelude to a more distinctly American style that would define his legacy.
Upon returning to New York in 1889, Reid’s artistic focus underwent a significant transformation. He transitioned from genre scenes to portraiture and simultaneously began sharing his knowledge as an instructor at the Art Students League and Cooper Union. This period witnessed a marked shift in his aesthetic sensibilities; he increasingly focused on portraying young women amidst lush floral arrangements, creating compositions that were both decorative and evocative. These paintings weren’t simply portraits but rather carefully constructed visual poems, celebrating feminine beauty within idyllic settings. The influence of James McNeill Whistler's emphasis on harmonious color schemes is palpable in these works, yet Reid infused them with a uniquely American sensibility—a blend of elegance and accessibility. This stylistic development wasn’t merely aesthetic; it reflected a broader cultural shift towards valuing decorative arts and refined sensibilities during the Gilded Age. He became known for his ability to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere, imbuing his canvases with an ethereal quality that resonated with contemporary audiences.
Reid’s talents extended beyond easel painting; he gained considerable acclaim as a muralist, undertaking large-scale commissions for prominent institutions. His work graced the walls of significant buildings such as the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., the Appellate Court House in New York City, and the Massachusetts State House. Perhaps his most ambitious project was his contribution to the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, where he created stunning murals for the Palace of Fine Arts building. These monumental works showcased his mastery of composition, color, and narrative storytelling. Simultaneously, Reid actively participated in shaping the American art scene as a founding member of “The Ten American Painters” in 1897. This group, formed by artists who seceded from the Society of American Artists, sought to establish an independent platform for exhibiting innovative work and challenging conventional artistic norms. His inclusion within this influential collective solidified his position as a leading figure in the movement towards modern art in America. In 1906, he achieved full membership in the National Academy of Design, further cementing his reputation and influence.
Robert Lewis Reid’s artistic legacy extends far beyond his own prolific output. As an educator, he profoundly impacted generations of artists, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to explore new creative avenues. Among his notable pupils was Nan Sheets, who carried forward his commitment to Impressionistic principles and figurative painting. His influence can be seen in the works of numerous other artists who studied under him or were inspired by his example. Today, Reid’s paintings are held in prestigious collections including the Library of Congress, Washington D.C., and continue to captivate viewers with their beauty, grace, and technical brilliance. He represents a crucial link between European Impressionism and the development of a distinctly American artistic voice—a voice that celebrated both tradition and innovation, elegance and accessibility. His work remains a testament to the power of art to capture the fleeting moments of life and transform them into enduring expressions of beauty. Robert Lewis Reid died in 1929, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
wikioo.org/en/art/download/robert-lewis-reid-the-mirror-8DP9DA-en/
Look closely
The Mirror — Robert Lewis Reid
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The color intensity of "The Mirror" is balanced. Intensity describes how strong the colors appear.
"The Mirror" by Robert Lewis Reid can be downloaded from the artwork's Download page, as a high-resolution digital image download.
"The Mirror" by Robert Lewis Reid is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1929.