Self-Portrait Sketching
1752
pastel
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1752
pastel
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Self-Portrait Sketching is a 1752 pastel by Georg Friedrich Schmidt, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a person drawing while sitting at a table. They’re wearing a dark coat, a light shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. The artist’s hand holds a pencil or brush, resting on a piece of paper. The background is plain, focusing all attention on the face and hands. The artist signed the work in the corner, marking the year 1752. The soft, blended lines suggest a focus on mood over detail. Check out the technique: sfumato next to see how artists like this one create smooth transitions.
