Zelfportret: B-1-1, 14 februari - Cor van Teeseling

A direct and contemplative self-portrait in graphite by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 1942.

This self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 14 February 1942, offers a direct and unadorned study of the human face. Executed in graphite, the work demonstrates the artist's focus on structural form and tonal modelling. The composition is tight, framing the head and shoulders to ensure the viewer's attention remains fixed on the subject's features.

Van Teeseling employs a methodical approach to shading, using the graphite to build volume across the cheekbones, nose, and jawline. The eyes are rendered with particular care, capturing a steady, contemplative gaze that defines the character of the piece. The hair is suggested through broader, directional strokes, providing a contrast to the finer detail found in the facial features. The collar of the shirt is sketched with minimal lines, serving as a simple anchor for the head.

Created during the early 1940s, the drawing reflects a period of introspection common in portraiture of the era. The artist avoids unnecessary ornamentation, preferring to rely on the interplay of light and shadow to define the planes of the face. The paper surface remains largely untouched, which allows the graphite marks to stand out with clarity. This work provides an insight into the artist's technical process and his ability to capture a likeness through disciplined observation. The signature and date, located in the lower left corner, confirm the provenance and the specific moment of the work's creation. It is a piece that rewards close inspection, revealing the subtle variations in pressure and stroke that constitute the artist's hand.