Mary Praying
1654
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
Mary Praying is a 1654 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.
This black-and-white photo shows a woman with a serious expression, her hands clasped in prayer. She wears a loose head covering and a simple garment, with one hand resting on her chest. The lighting is dramatic, with deep shadows on her face and a bright highlight on her forehead. The photo’s strong contrast between light and dark makes her face stand out sharply. This effect is called *chiaroscuro*—a technique that uses bold shadows and light to create depth. Look up chiaroscuro to see how artists used it long before cameras.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →