Portretul unui boier din familia Cătuneanu
1850
unspecified
From the collection of National Museum of Art of Romania
1850
unspecified
From the collection of National Museum of Art of Romania
This painting shows a man with a shaved head and a thick mustache. He’s wearing a dark fur collar, a patterned red shirt, and a light robe. His hands hold a small, decorated case with keys or a locket. Behind him, the background is dark and shadowy, making him stand out. The way the light hits his face and clothes creates strong contrasts. This is called *chiaroscuro*—a technique that uses deep shadows and bright spots to add drama. If you like this style, look up *chiaroscuro* to see more examples.