Who painted Self-portrait by Candlelight?

Self-portrait by Candlelight was painted by Unknown in 1764.

Where can I see Self-portrait by Candlelight?

Self-portrait by Candlelight is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Self-portrait by Candlelight

Self-portrait by Candlelight is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1764, the self‑portrait by Candlelight is an oil work attributed to the artist known as 1092_person.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1764, the self‑portrait by Candlelight is an oil work attributed to the artist known as 1092_person. The composition presents the sitter seated at a darkened desk, illuminated by a single candle that throws the face and hands into sharp relief against an almost black background. The painting is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is depicted holding a quill pen, poised as if in the act of writing, suggesting a contemplation of the creative process. Attired in a brown jacket with white cuffs, the sitter’s focused expression and the presence of an inkwell and writing tools emphasize themes of authorship and intellectual labor.

Technique & Style

The work employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, using a solitary light source to generate strong contrasts between illuminated surfaces and deep shadows. This lighting accentuates the texture of the fabric, the sheen of the quill tip, and the contours of the face, creating a dramatic three‑dimensionality characteristic of late‑Baroque portraiture.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Its attribution to 1092_person, a relatively obscure figure from the mid‑18th century, is based on stylistic analysis and archival references linking the work to that period.