Portret van een onbekende man, mogelijk Deville, directeur van de mijnbouwschool te Mons 1888

This portrait, possibly of Deville, director of the mining school in Mons, was drawn by Auguste Danse. At first glance, the graphite medium lends itself to a study in contrasts, revealing both form and character with striking clarity. The subject's gaze is directed towards something unseen, lending the composition a sense of depth and narrative beyond its surface. Danse employs graphite with varied pressure, creating depth through gradations of light and shadow across the man's features and attire. This isn't merely representation; it is an exploration of how light constructs our perception of form. The meticulous detail in his medals and attire contrasts with the softer, more diffused treatment of the background, drawing our attention to the sitter’s persona. The stark white of the paper isolates the subject, emphasizing the sitter’s presence. This use of space invites us to consider what is present but also what is deliberately absent.