19th C. Oil Painting (theme: human emotions)

Psyché by Berthe Morisot, 1876.
This painting depicts a woman with a sad face looking downwards. Her posture, along with her morose expression, indicates that she is reflecting upon herself and is getting sad.

Describe:

This oil painting depicts a young woman with implied, passive, blotchy lines, complex shape, and lighter colors. The value is mostly light, but near the bottom with the red carpet it is darker.

Source: www.museothyssen.org

Analyze:

Emphasis: The emphasis in this painting is on the woman, particularly her posture and reflection.
Proportion: The majority of this main going is taken up by the woman and the mirror. There is no negative space except for the shadows of the mirror and couch.
Movement: The posture of the woman makes this painting seem static. The way they things in the background are arranged directs your eye to the woman: the mirror and the couch, as well as the bright red floor.
Balance: Since the woman is in the middle between the couch and mirror, this painting is symmetrical.
Unity: The repetition of the flowers, the red carpet, a the arrangement of the background pulls the painting together.

Interpret:

I think Morisot was painting a young woman who is looking in the mirror