Portrait of Mr. C.

About this work

This painting shows a man sitting with his hands clasped, looking down. His face is half-lit, with shadows darkening his eyes and jaw. He wears a simple, slightly rumpled shirt and a medal pinned to his chest. The background is a deep, plain black, focusing all attention on him. The brushstrokes are loose and quick, almost like the artist worked fast. The light and shadow play on his face gives it a quiet, serious mood. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.