An Hermit

An Hermit

William Pether

1770

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a lone elderly man sitting on a rocky ledge at night. He holds a lantern and a staff, looking lost in thought. Around him, three younger figures stand close, one pointing upward as if showing something in the dark sky. The title *An Hermit* hints this scene might be about solitude or struggle. The dark background and dramatic lighting focus all attention on the man’s quiet moment. Next, check out chiaroscuro, the technique used here to create deep shadows and bright spots.

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