Zelfportret met pet: B-1-1, 5 maart Possibly 1942 - 1945

Editor: We’re looking at “Zelfportret met pet: B-1-1, 5 maart,” a self-portrait drawing by Cor van Teeseling, possibly created between 1942 and 1945. The artist used pencil on paper. It feels very raw and immediate, but I'm curious – what strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The hat. Notice how the beret subtly crowns his head. It speaks to a complex cultural vocabulary – traditionally linked to artists and intellectuals, perhaps, but also hinting at resistance movements during the period this was likely made. This layering of symbolism is intriguing. Do you get a sense of the psychology behind his choices here? Editor: I do. It makes me wonder what he wanted to convey. Was it a statement of identity, defiance, or perhaps something else entirely? Curator: Possibly all of that. He may also be connecting with an enduring symbolic narrative of resilience. Consider the date – potentially during the occupation. How might that context change our interpretation? Editor: The historical background adds another layer of complexity, infusing a sense of urgency and personal risk into something as seemingly simple as a self-portrait. Curator: Precisely. The symbolism woven within this unassuming drawing transforms it into a testament to human spirit, transcending the individual likeness. It highlights our collective cultural memory. Editor: I never considered the hat's deeper meaning. It's fascinating how much information can be packed into a single image. Curator: Indeed. Art allows cultural symbols to be passed down, echoing meanings throughout time. It gives a face to those things otherwise lost in memory. Editor: I will certainly think about the visual vocabulary artists choose in their works going forward. Thanks!