Zelfportret van Jacobus Sörensen 1822 - 1857

This self-portrait was created by Jacobus Sörensen, using graphite on paper, sometime before his death in 1857. Graphite, in its refined form as pencils, allowed for detailed and precise work. Note the subtle gradations of tone achieved through delicate hatching and cross-hatching. Sörensen's skill with the pencil allowed him to capture his likeness with impressive accuracy, paying close attention to the play of light and shadow on his face. He was able to obtain different values, from light to dark, by changing the amount of pressure applied to the graphite. This work's success lies in Sörensen's mastery of a humble material, elevating it to a work of fine art. This drawing represents an intimate encounter with the artist, made possible by the directness and accessibility of graphite as a medium. Appreciating the material and the making allows us to see the connection between labor, skill, and artistic expression.