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Dennis Miller Bunker

Date: 1890

Credit Line: Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel J. Terra Collection

Object number: 1999.22

Text Entries: Often hailed as Dennis Miller Bunker's "best canvas," The Mirror depicts the female as a figure for aesthetic contemplation; she glows jewel-like, her pale complexion and white dress set against a dark background. Head in classical profile, eyes downcast, with a mirror in her hand-a common trope often symbolizing "vanitas," or vanity-the female subject seems lost in self-absorption yet at the same time aware of being scrutinized by the viewer. Known for his accomplishments in both landscape and portrait genres, Bunker turned his talent to working "toward something distinguished that goes by the name of Beauty." Like many of his contemporaries, Bunker used the image of the female to convey this ideal.