Zelfportret: B-1-1, 14 januari - Cor van Teeseling

A delicate graphite self-portrait by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, featuring precise, minimalist line work on warm-toned paper.

This drawing, titled Zelfportret: B-1-1, 14 januari, is a delicate graphite study by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling. The work presents a frontal view of the artist, rendered with a light, almost ethereal touch. The lines are thin and precise, focusing on the essential structure of the face rather than heavy shading or dramatic contrast. The eyes are the most defined feature, capturing a direct and contemplative gaze that engages the viewer.

The composition is minimalist, leaving much of the paper surface untouched. This choice directs attention to the subtle contours of the jawline, the bridge of the nose, and the soft arch of the brows. The artist uses a restrained hand, suggesting form through outline rather than volume. The paper itself, with its warm, neutral tone, provides a quiet background that complements the faint grey of the graphite marks.

Cor van Teeseling often engaged in rigorous self-examination through his work, and this piece reflects that disciplined approach to portraiture. The inclusion of the date and catalogue reference in the lower corner indicates a systematic practice, common in the artist's personal archives. The drawing avoids unnecessary detail, favouring a clean, linear aesthetic that aligns with early twentieth-century modernist sensibilities. It is a study of presence and observation, stripped of artifice. The work offers a glimpse into the artist's process, showing the initial stages of capturing a likeness before any further development or tonal work might occur. It remains a clear example of the artist's ability to convey character through minimal means.