Zelfportret: B-1-1, 31 januari - Cor van Teeseling

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

This graphite drawing by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 31 January 1942, captures a moment of quiet introspection. The work is a self-portrait, rendered with a focus on the subtle contours of the face and the soft play of light across the features. Van Teeseling employs a delicate touch, using light pencil strokes to define the structure of the jaw, the bridge of the nose, and the thoughtful expression in the eyes. The artist avoids heavy shading, preferring a lighter, more atmospheric approach that allows the texture of the paper to remain visible.

The composition is intimate, focusing closely on the head and shoulders. The gaze is directed slightly away from the viewer, suggesting a state of internal reflection rather than direct engagement. The lines are precise yet fluid, demonstrating a technical proficiency in capturing human anatomy without unnecessary embellishment. The date and signature are inscribed clearly in the lower right corner, providing a specific temporal context for this study.

As a piece of mid-twentieth-century portraiture, this work offers a glimpse into the artist's personal practice. It functions as a record of the self, executed during a period of significant historical upheaval in Europe. The restraint in the drawing style reflects a broader tendency toward simplicity and directness in the artist's work. By stripping away extraneous detail, Van Teeseling directs the viewer's attention to the essential character of the subject. This print is a faithful reproduction of the original graphite drawing, preserving the tonal nuances and the characteristic quality of the pencil marks on the paper surface. It is suitable for those who appreciate the understated beauty of figurative drawing and the historical value of personal artistic documentation.