Self-portrait in chiaroscuro mid 18th century circa 1770-1780

Self-portrait in chiaroscuro of a painter of lights, oil on canvas from the second half of the French 18th century. Beautiful intimate self-portrait of a young painter in the soft twilight of his studio, he is dressed in a simple brown frock coat with a high collar, revealing a thin green waistcoat, which is more attractive, contrasting with his white shirt tied with a lace tie . This striking contrast is magnified by a cold light, confining it a soft sensation of purity and freshness. Yet his haughty, theatrical bearing combined with this dark gaze gives the impression that he is already fascinating an audience that is however most unreal. From the front, halfway up his legs, treated in chiaroscuro, he is there, in the foreground, positioned in front of his easel, brush with one hand and sketch with the other. It seems to emerge in the light, a light which gives it a clear perspective, thereby accentuating the illusion of volume. Dimensions: Frame width 101cm, height 123.5cm. Frame 83cm wide and 105cm high. Use and maintenance restorations such as relining on key frames and cleaning. It should be noted that the frame is modern.