A quiet and introspective self-portrait in graphite by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 1949.

This self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, dated 30 January 1949, offers a direct and unadorned observation of the artist. Executed in graphite on paper, the work demonstrates a restrained approach to portraiture. The artist employs a delicate touch, using light shading to define the contours of the face and the folds of the clothing. The gaze is steady, directed towards the viewer with a sense of quiet introspection.

Van Teeseling focuses on the structural elements of the human form rather than dramatic lighting or complex composition. The background remains neutral, allowing the viewer to concentrate on the subtle variations in tone across the skin and the soft rendering of the hair. The drawing reflects a period of mid-century Dutch artistic practice that valued technical precision and a sober, objective representation of the subject. The signature and date are inscribed in the lower right corner, providing a clear record of the work's creation during the winter months of 1949.

As a study in self-representation, this piece avoids artifice. It captures a moment of stillness, typical of the artist's broader body of work which often explored the human figure through disciplined observation. The choice of graphite allows for a range of grey tones, creating a soft, atmospheric quality that contrasts with the firm lines used to delineate the eyes and nose. This print preserves the texture of the original paper and the nuanced application of the pencil, making it a suitable addition for those who appreciate the technical rigour of twentieth-century drawing.