Artwork

Self-portrait by Lamplight

Self-portrait by Lamplight, by Unknown, unspecified, 1914
Self-portrait by Lamplight, by Unknown, unspecified, 1914

Self-portrait by Lamplight is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1914 by the artist known as 1261_person, this self‑portrait is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1914 by the artist known as 1261_person, this self‑portrait is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a close‑up view of a face illuminated from below, set against a deep violet background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on a single individual, whose features are highlighted by warm yellows, reds and greens that seem to emanate from the lamplight source. The dramatic underside lighting emphasizes the contours of the face, suggesting an introspective or confrontational mood.

Technique & Style

The artist employed thick, textured brushwork, especially noticeable in the rendering of the headscarf and beard. This impasto application creates a tactile, almost sculptural surface, while the uneven strokes lend the image a sense of immediacy and vigor.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the early twentieth century, the work has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s ethnographic and artistic holdings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known