Portret van August Allebé - Bernard Willem Wierink

A precise graphite profile portrait of August Allebé, drawn by Dutch artist Bernard Willem Wierink in 1924.

This graphite portrait by Bernard Willem Wierink depicts August Allebé, a figure of significance in the Dutch art world and the former director of the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten in Amsterdam. Executed in 1924, the drawing captures Allebé in profile, a classic format for portraiture that allows for a clear study of facial structure and character. Wierink employs a confident, economical line to define the subject, focusing on the contours of the brow, the bridge of the nose, and the distinct shape of the spectacles.

The artist avoids unnecessary shading, preferring to let the weight of the pencil strokes suggest volume and texture. The lines around the ear and jawline demonstrate a keen observation of the ageing process, rendered with a respect for the subject's features. The composition is contained within a simple border, typical of preparatory sketches or studies intended for personal records or archival purposes. The inclusion of the date and the artist's monogram in the lower right corner provides a clear provenance for the work.

August Allebé was a painter and lithographer himself, and this portrait by Wierink serves as a record of the professional and personal connections between Dutch artists of the early twentieth century. The drawing is devoid of artifice, presenting a direct and honest likeness. It reflects the technical proficiency of Wierink, who was known for his work in various media, including illustration and decorative design. This print offers a glimpse into the quiet, observational practice of a Dutch artist documenting a contemporary. The neutral background and the focus on the profile ensure that the viewer's attention remains fixed on the subject's expression and the artist's draughtsmanship.