Painting

paint

From the collection of German Documentation Center for Art History - Marburg Picture Index

Dominant colour

Painting is a paint by Johann Valentin Tischbein, held at German Documentation Center for Art History - Marburg Picture Index.

Who painted this?: Johann Valentin Tischbein
Where can I see it?: German Documentation Center for Art History - Marburg Picture Index

About this work

This is a black-and-white photo of a framed portrait. A man in a dark, embroidered coat sits stiffly, his hands resting on a chair arm. His collar is white, and his hair is short and neatly combed. The background is plain and dark, keeping all focus on him. The photo’s label says it’s by Johann Valentin Tischbein, but the painting itself looks old-fashioned—no bright colors or loose brushstrokes. The man’s face is smooth, almost like the artist softened the shadows. If you like this style, look up chiaroscuro—it’s the technique of using strong light and dark contrasts.