Godfrey Kneller

Godfrey Kneller

John Smith

1694

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

The image is a portrait of a man with long, curly hair and a serious expression. He is wearing a loose-fitting jacket with a high collar and is holding his right hand in front of him. The background is dark, which helps to highlight the subject's features. The man's hair is styled in loose, flowing curls that frame his face. His eyes are cast downward, giving him a contemplative look. The artist has used chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the portrait. The painting is a fine example of Baroque portraiture, characterized by its use of dramatic lighting and intense emotions. To learn more about this style, explore the Baroque movement.

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