Zelfportret: B-1-1, 26 februari - Cor van Teeseling

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

This self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 26 February 1942, offers a direct and unadorned study of the artist's own features. Executed in graphite on paper, the work displays a disciplined approach to line and form. The artist employs a light touch, focusing on the structural contours of the face rather than heavy shading or dramatic chiaroscuro. The eyes are rendered with particular attention, capturing a steady, observant gaze that engages the viewer directly.

Van Teeseling uses minimal mark-making to define the planes of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and the soft volume of the hair. The composition is centred, placing the subject against a plain background, which removes external distractions and keeps the focus entirely on the psychological presence of the sitter. The drawing reflects a period of introspection, common in self-portraiture produced during the mid-twentieth century. The paper shows slight signs of age, which adds a tactile quality to the print, preserving the original character of the sketch.

As a piece of personal documentation, this drawing provides insight into the artist's technical process. The lines are deliberate, showing the artist's hand as he maps his own likeness. The lack of elaborate detail allows the viewer to appreciate the economy of the medium. This print is suitable for those who appreciate the quiet honesty of mid-century portraiture and the raw aesthetic of pencil studies. It functions well as a minimalist addition to a collection, offering a glimpse into the private practice of a Dutch artist working during the 1940s.