Portret van Antoine Joseph Wiertz 1812 - 1861

This is Jacobus van den Berg's pencil drawing, "Portret van Antoine Joseph Wiertz". The work is immediately striking for its use of line and tonal gradations. Notice how van den Berg uses varied densities of graphite to construct the form, particularly evident in the hat and facial features. The overall composition is vertically oriented, focusing tightly on Wiertz's head and shoulders. The use of light and shadow isn't just descriptive; it's expressive. See how the artist employs hatching and cross-hatching to model the contours, creating depth and volume with economy of means. The linear quality gives the portrait a sense of immediacy and directness. This drawing may not present itself as a radical departure from traditional portraiture, but consider how its formal elements contribute to its unique character. The restraint and precision speak to an engagement with classical ideals, filtered through a distinct artistic sensibility. It invites us to consider the relationship between representation and artistic interpretation.