Bengali woman looking into a mirror

The woman depicted in the painting can be interpreted as Nayika, who is adorning herself. She is combing her hair while looking into the mirror. Sanyal depicted her in an expressive way, with stylised features. Her striking green-coloured skin contrasts with the orange-yellow saree and her gold jewellery, such as her bangles. Rings, earrings, and her neckpiece adding richness. Sanyal also focused on her mirror reflection. A sleeping cat beneath the mirror introduces an ordinary domestic element, which reflects Sanyal’s interest in the dignity and beauty of everyday life. His combination of realistic anatomical observation with stylised forms, bold outlines, and vibrant colours reflects a distinctive synthesis of tradition and modernism. Sanyal transforms an ordinary woman’s act of self-adornment into an expressive and visually engaging study of femininity, individuality, and daily life.