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Portfolio II, Plate 60

Edward S. Curtis

1903

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Early Modern Portrait

Dominant colour

Portfolio II, Plate 60 is a 1903 by Edward S. Curtis, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Edward S. Curtis
When & what style?: 1903
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This is a close-up portrait of a person with long, dark hair tied back. Their face is serious, with strong lines around the eyes and mouth. The lighting is soft, mostly on one side, leaving the other side in shadow. The background is plain and dark, so the face stands out clearly. The artist used shading to create depth, focusing on the face’s textures. This style makes the person look very real and present. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.