Who painted Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight?

Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight was painted by Unknown in 1919.

Where can I see Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight?

Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight

Unknown , 1919

Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Portrait of the Artist.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of the Artist. Lamplight, executed around 1919 by the anonymous creator known as 397_person, is a close‑up depiction of a male sitter rendered in oil on canvas. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of early twentieth‑century portraiture that emphasizes mood over precise likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a man’s face and shoulders, his expression framed by a darkened background that isolates the figure. He holds a small object—perhaps a pipe or a tool—pressed to his chin, suggesting contemplation or a moment of pause. The subdued setting and the intimate pose invite viewers to consider the inner life of the sitter rather than external narrative.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by thick, loose brushwork that creates a textured surface reminiscent of impasto. Dark blues and deep shadows dominate the neck and forehead, while warm flesh tones bring the face forward. The background remains largely in shadow, allowing the illuminated features to emerge with a sketch‑like vigor that blurs the line between painting and drawing.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1919, the work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, becoming part of its permanent collection. Its attribution to 397_person reflects the limited archival information available, and the piece has been referenced in scholarly surveys of post‑World War I portraiture for its distinctive handling of light and material.