Portret van Frederick Leith-Ross 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten made this print portrait of Frederick Leith-Ross, and it's all about seeing how marks build a picture. Look at the surface. It’s not trying to hide how it’s made; you can see the tiny lines, the hatching that creates the shadows and volume. It's like she’s thinking out loud, each stroke a decision in the process. The dark areas around his face aren't just background, they're like a cloud of energy, pushing his profile forward. The way she defines the suit with these quick, scribbly lines gives it a real sense of texture, almost like you could reach out and feel the tweed. And see how the light catches the edge of his glasses? It’s a small detail, but it brings him to life, makes him feel present. It reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz, in the way she uses line to convey depth and emotion. Art's a conversation, right? Always echoing, always changing.