En munk med tillukkede øjne 1726 - 1748

David Gardelle, a Swiss artist, painted this small oval portrait of a monk with his eyes closed in an unknown year. The artist has used oil paint on copper. Here, the dominant visual experience is the tight focus on the monk's face and shoulders, framed within a golden oval. The colour palette is subdued, dominated by earthy browns and muted yellows, creating a sense of solemn introspection. Gardelle's precise brushstrokes define the texture of the monk's beard and the folds of his robe, while light delicately models the contours of his face. This portrait invites contemplation on the relationship between inner spirituality and outward representation. By depicting the monk with closed eyes, Gardelle directs our attention inward, suggesting a realm of personal reflection beyond the visual. The oval format acts as a framing device, focusing attention on the subject's contemplative inner world. The warm, earthy tones and soft lighting further contribute to the work's contemplative mood, evoking a sense of quiet meditation and spiritual depth.