Omakuva, en face I
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From the collection of Finnish National Gallery
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From the collection of Finnish National Gallery
This painting shows a close-up of a person’s face and shoulders. The brushstrokes are loose and rough, especially around the edges. The colors are mostly muted—soft browns and tans—except for a dark red collar that stands out. The face looks calm but slightly blurred, with just enough detail to recognize the eyes and mouth. The artist didn’t smooth out the paint much, leaving visible strokes that make the face feel almost sketchy. This style was common in quick studies or personal sketches. Next, check out the technique: impasto to see how artists use thick paint for texture.