Portret van een onbekende man 1921

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this striking portrait of an unknown man using etching techniques sometime in the early 20th century. The somber tones and the density of cross-hatched lines evoke a sense of introspection. Schelfhout uses a formal approach to portraiture, focusing less on capturing a likeness and more on the interplay of light and shadow. The subject’s averted gaze adds to the mystery, inviting contemplation rather than recognition. We can see a deliberate use of line to build form; short, repetitive strokes create texture and volume, particularly in the beard and hair. This technique recalls the graphic experiments of artists like Picasso, who sought to break down traditional modes of representation. The density of the lines contributes to an atmosphere of uncertainty. Schelfhout challenges our expectations of portraiture, pushing the boundaries of what a portrait can convey, which leaves us questioning the nature of identity itself.