Reading Hermit
1650
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
Dominant colour
Reading Hermit is a 1650 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.
This black-and-white photo shows an older man with a long white beard and glasses. He’s reading a book held open in both hands, his face lit softly as if by a nearby light. The background is dark and blurry, making him stand out. The painting’s focus is on his face and hands—simple but detailed. The lighting creates strong shadows, giving depth to his features. Look up *chiaroscuro* next to see how this lighting trick works.
