Self-Portrait

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a man sitting at a desk, holding a pen and looking directly at you. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a loose jacket. On the desk, there’s a half-empty bottle, a rolled-up paper or map, and a few scattered tools. Behind him, a window lets in light, and a sword leans against the wall. The artist signed the print at the bottom, but his face looks tired or serious. The way light and shadow play on his face and clothes makes the scene feel real. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.