A Volunteer of 1792

A Volunteer of 1792

Thomas Couture

1848

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows a man in a dark, shadowy space. He wears a red scarf wrapped around his neck and a light-colored shirt. His face is half-lit, with one cheek in shadow and the other catching a faint glow. The brushstrokes are thick and rough, especially on his scarf and hair, giving the painting a textured look. The lighting focuses on his face, making it stand out against the dark background. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.

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