Zelfportret: B-1-1, 24 februari - Cor van Teeseling

A candid and precise graphite self-portrait by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 1942, capturing a moment of quiet introspection.

This self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 24 February 1942, offers a direct and unadorned study of the artist. Executed in graphite on paper, the work displays a restrained approach to portraiture. The artist employs a light, precise touch, focusing on the structural contours of the face rather than heavy shading or dramatic chiaroscuro. The gaze is steady and observant, directed toward the viewer with a sense of quiet introspection.

Van Teeseling captures his likeness with a focus on clarity. The lines defining the jaw, nose, and eyes are clean, reflecting a disciplined hand. The hair is rendered with soft, sweeping strokes that suggest volume without excessive detail. The composition is centred, placing the subject against a plain background, which directs all attention to the facial features and the artist's expression. The paper shows signs of age, with subtle discolouration that adds to the historical character of the piece.

As a document of the artist's practice during the early 1940s, this drawing provides insight into his technical process. It lacks the artifice often found in formal portraiture, opting instead for a candid representation. The signature and date, located in the lower left, confirm the specific moment of its creation. This work is a clear example of the artist's ability to convey character through minimal means, relying on the economy of line to establish presence. The drawing is a study in observation, capturing a specific moment in time with technical precision and a calm, measured aesthetic.