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Self-portrait by Candlelight

Unknown

1764

unspecified

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Portrait

Dominant colour

Self-portrait by Candlelight is a 1764 unspecified by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1764
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows a person holding a quill pen, poised as if writing. They’re dressed in a brown jacket with white cuffs, sitting at a dark desk. On the table, there’s an inkwell, a feather, and a few scattered tools. The background is almost all black, making the face and hands stand out. The lighting focuses on the person’s face and hands, creating strong shadows. This trick makes the details pop—like the texture of the jacket or the quill’s tip. Want to see how this lighting works? Look up *chiaroscuro*.