Open full image Pin

Self-Portrait Writing with a Companion

Felice Giani

1783

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

Self-Portrait Writing with a Companion is a 1783 ink by Felice Giani, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Felice Giani
When & what style?: 1783 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two people sitting at a small table. One holds a piece of paper and pen, writing while the other leans in, watching. The lines are loose and quick, with lots of shading to show folds in clothes and shadows. A chair, a book, and a few small objects sit on the table. The artist used a technique where overlapping lines build up dark areas. It looks messy but creates depth. The drawing feels like a quick study, not a polished work. Look up cross-hatching to see how this shading method works.