This painting is of Marie–Therese Walter, Picasso’s young mistress who features in quite a few of Picasso’s paintings.

The Painting strikingly reflects an image that is clearly different to the one peering into the mirror.  Another interesting point is that the background is as distinct as the foreground, it is almost as if they are one.  This challenges the conception children may have that background must always be smaller or faded.

Girl Before a Mirror depicts the concept of duality; how we see ourselves compared with how others see us. Taken further it could also represent the different personas we adopt depending on the company we are with and  is something extremely relevant to children. It could also signify the passing of time, as the reflection is of a woman much older than the one looking in.

This presents an excellent opportunity to help children identify the many layers or aspects of their personal identity.  What aspects of their identity do they share and what do they hide? Perhaps the mirror could reveal hidden aspects of identity?

This lesson is intended to be the third in a series of 6 lessons.  The teacher should use this resource to help children understand that there are many facets to our identity by creating discussion centred around the key questions.  Children should be encouraged to move away form drawing their reflection as it appears and focus on a different side of their personality.  Perhaps they decide their reflection depicts them how they are at home? Perhaps their reflection reveals a hidden fear or a secret ambition?  Some children may want to display more than one aspect in their reflection...This is desirable.  This lesson is not looking for a reproduction of Picasso's painting.  Picasso's painting is to be used as a way in to help each child connect with  him/herself.