Boer uit Laren - Martinus van Regteren Altena

A detailed graphite portrait of a farmer from Laren, capturing the character and weathered features of the subject with precision.

This graphite study, Boer uit Laren, captures the weathered features of a farmer from the Laren region in the Netherlands. Martinus van Regteren Altena employs a precise, observational approach to document the subject, focusing on the textures of age etched into the skin. The lines around the eyes, the furrowed brow, and the set of the mouth communicate a sense of lived experience. The artist uses light shading to define the contours of the face, allowing the paper surface to remain visible and contribute to the overall tone of the work.

The Laren School, with which the artist is associated, often turned its attention to the rural life of the Gooi region. Artists in this circle sought to record the character of the local population, moving away from idealised depictions toward a more direct, honest representation of their subjects. This portrait reflects that objective, presenting the farmer without artifice or embellishment. The composition is tight, focusing entirely on the head and shoulders, which directs the viewer's attention to the psychological presence of the man.

Small spots of foxing are visible on the original paper, which add to the historical character of the piece. The drawing demonstrates a high level of technical control, with subtle variations in pressure creating depth and volume. It is a quiet, contemplative work that captures a specific moment in the social history of the Dutch countryside. By focusing on the individual, the artist provides a window into the daily reality of the agricultural community at the turn of the twentieth century. This print reproduces the original graphite marks with clarity, maintaining the integrity of the artist's hand and the nuances of the original sketch.