The value structure of self-portrait is mid-key: quiet, controlled, and cohesive. The palette achieves thermal balance - reds and blues, ochres and greens, each holding the other in check. Muted throughout, the palette achieves its effects through value and temperature rather than chromatic force. The most saturated colour, #B68F5C, is reserved to 5.1% of the surface, where it acts as a focal punctuation. The full value range is 55 units: broad enough to build convincing three-dimensional form.