Reproductie naar een foto, schilderij, tekening of prent c. 1860 - 1915

This reproduction of a photograph, painting, drawing, or print is held at the Rijksmuseum. The subdued pencil work presents a portrait of a man, constructed through a series of delicate lines and tonal gradations. The artist has paid careful attention to the play of light and shadow on the man's face, accentuating his features and lending the portrait a sense of depth. The artist uses a formal approach to representation; it’s interesting to consider how the use of line and shadow function to flatten the image, or offer it depth. The emphasis on the materiality of the drawing, achieved through visible pencil strokes, serves to remind us of the process of artistic creation. This interplay between representation and material presence is a key aspect of the work. Consider how this drawing, as a reproduction, destabilizes notions of originality. The artist seems less concerned with capturing a likeness than with exploring the potential of the medium itself. The subject's gaze, though directed at the viewer, is mediated through layers of representation. This complexity encourages us to reflect on how we perceive images and construct meaning.