The Antiquary - Self-Portrait
1851
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1851
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This black-and-white sketch shows an older man with a wild white beard and wild hair. He’s holding a small object—maybe a book or a piece of paper—while his other hand rests on his chest. Behind him, a dark room has fancy carvings on a door and a small framed picture of two figures on a balcony. The artist used heavy shading to make the man’s face stand out against the dark background. The sketch feels rough but full of detail, especially in the wrinkles and folds of his clothes. If you like this style, check out chiaroscuro next.
