Zelfportret met pet - Cor van Teeseling

A refined red chalk self-portrait by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, focusing on clean lines and a direct, contemplative gaze.

This work, titled Zelfportret met pet, is a study in line and economy of form by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling. Executed in red chalk on a neutral, toned paper, the drawing captures the artist in a three-quarter view. The composition relies entirely on the precision of the contour line, eschewing heavy shading or tonal modelling to define the subject. The artist wears a simple cap, which frames the face and directs the viewer's attention to the steady, direct gaze of the eyes.

Van Teeseling demonstrates a disciplined approach to portraiture here. The lines are clean and deliberate, suggesting a focus on structural accuracy rather than atmospheric effect. The choice of red chalk provides a warmth that contrasts with the cool, muted tone of the paper, creating a subtle visual tension. The artist's features are rendered with a degree of stylisation that aligns with the aesthetic sensibilities of the early twentieth century, where the clarity of the drawn line was often prioritised over painterly texture.

As a self-portrait, the work offers a glimpse into the artist's process of self-observation. The lack of background detail ensures that the focus remains solely on the psychological presence of the sitter. The drawing functions as a record of the artist's technical skill, showing a preference for minimal intervention to convey character. The work is characteristic of the period's interest in the purity of the graphic medium, where the artist's hand is visible in every stroke. This print reproduces the original chalk work, maintaining the specific colouration of the medium against the paper ground. It is a quiet, contemplative piece that suits spaces where a minimalist aesthetic is preferred.