Portret de bărbat cu craniu
Maestrul legendei Sfântului Augustin
1450
unspecified
From the collection of Brukenthal National Museum
Maestrul legendei Sfântului Augustin
1450
unspecified
From the collection of Brukenthal National Museum
This painting shows a man with pale skin and a serious face, holding a skull in his left hand. His right hand points at the skull’s eye socket. He wears a dark, fur-lined robe with a high collar. The background is dark and blurry, making his face stand out. The skull looks real—its hollow eye sockets and teeth are clearly painted. This kind of image was often used to remind people that life is short. If you like this kind of painting, look up chiaroscuro.
