Max Kurzweil (1867–1916) studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, was a member of the Vienna Künstlerhaus as well as a founding member of the Vienna Secession. His seated nude in front of a mirror appears highly mysterious on account of the eye mask. The use of mirrors in paintings has a long tradition, and is meant to symbolize both vanity and transience. The oldest mirror is water. When the young Narcissus saw his mirror image in the water, he fell in love with his reflection. The seated young woman exhibits her flawless naked body and is looking at herself in the mirror. Her proud posture shows that she is aware of her beauty. But beauty is fleeting. The mask impedes this realization.