Zelfportret: B-1-1, 26 januari Possibly 1942

Cor van Teeseling made this pencil self-portrait on January 26th. Notice the subtlety in the pencil strokes, creating an ethereal quality. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing primarily on the artist's face, which invites an intimate connection. The soft gradations of tone, achieved through delicate shading, give volume and depth. The artist's gaze, directed slightly off to the side, creates a sense of introspection. Teeseling masterfully uses the medium to explore not just likeness but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of self-representation. The overall effect of the portrait’s formal qualities invites us to consider the human condition, and the complexities inherent in portraying oneself. It’s a reminder that art is a continuous dialogue between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer.