Anton Graff (1736 – 1813) – Self-Portrait with Eye-shade Alte und Neue Nationalgalerie (Berlin)

The portrait presents a man in his later years, positioned at a slight angle to the viewer. He holds a paintbrush and palette, suggesting he is engaged in artistic creation. A dark green eye-shade rests on his forehead, partially obscuring his brow and lending an air of focused concentration to his expression. His face bears the marks of time – deep lines etched around the eyes and mouth – yet retains a certain dignity and intelligence.
The artist’s attire is simple: a brown coat worn over a white shirt with a loosely tied cravat. The muted color palette contributes to a sense of quiet introspection, drawing attention to the subjects face and hands. Behind him, partially visible on a dark background, are faint sketches – likely preparatory studies for another work. These appear unfinished, hinting at the ongoing process of artistic endeavor.
The lighting is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow that emphasize the texture of his skin and clothing. The eye-shade casts a shadow across his face, further defining its contours and adding to the overall sense of depth.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of craftsmanship, experience, and the solitary nature of artistic creation. The unfinished sketches behind him suggest not only the artist’s profession but also the inherent incompleteness of any creative pursuit. The eye-shade might be interpreted as a symbol of focused vision – a deliberate shutting out of distractions to allow for intense concentration on the task at hand. Ultimately, the work offers a glimpse into the life and mind of an individual deeply immersed in his art.