Self-portrait 

Here is Knud Baade’s self-portrait, an oil on canvas with dimensions of 24.5 by 20.5 centimeters. The painting presents us with a study in contrasts and subdued tones. Baade’s face emerges from a backdrop of deep browns, drawing our attention through subtle tonal variations rather than bold color. The composition directs our gaze towards Baade’s face, which is softly lit to highlight the texture of his skin and the details of his features. Note how the stark white of his collar sharply contrasts with the dark velvet of his coat. This juxtaposition not only frames his face but also provides a focal point, emphasizing the artist’s gaze. The painting destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing on psychological depth over idealized representation. The structure and composition of the painting suggest a semiotic system of signs, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns of his time. The nuanced handling of light and shadow underscores the idea that identity is not fixed but constructed through perception.