Zelfportret en face - Cor van Teeseling

A direct and introspective self-portrait in pencil by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 1944.

This self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 1944, offers a direct and unadorned examination of the artist's own likeness. Executed in pencil, the work demonstrates a disciplined approach to draughtsmanship, prioritising structural clarity and tonal modulation over decorative flourish. The composition focuses on the artist's face, turned slightly to engage the viewer with a steady, observant gaze.

Van Teeseling employs a range of graphite marks to define the contours of the face and the volume of the hair. The shading is applied with precision, building form through soft transitions rather than harsh contrasts. The background remains largely neutral, which directs the viewer's attention to the psychological presence of the subject. The artist's choice of an en face orientation, combined with the subtle turn of the head, creates a sense of immediacy.

This drawing reflects the mid-twentieth-century interest in the introspective potential of the portrait. By documenting his own appearance during the mid-1940s, Van Teeseling provides a quiet, personal record of his identity. The work is characterised by its technical restraint and the artist's ability to capture a specific moment of self-reflection. The paper shows signs of age, which adds a tactile quality to the print, preserving the original texture of the graphite strokes. It is a study in observation, revealing the artist's focus on the mechanics of light and shadow as they fall across the human form. The piece is suitable for those who appreciate the understated nature of mid-century European portraiture and the technical rigour of pencil studies.