Self-Portrait
1824
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1824
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a man with curly hair, a serious face, and a white collar peeking out from a dark jacket. His right hand holds a small object—maybe a pipe or pencil—while his left rests on his chest. The background is plain, letting his face stand out. His outfit looks old-fashioned, with a high neckline and a patterned sash. The artist used soft shading to give it a sketchy, almost hand-drawn feel. Want to know more? Try looking up lithography.