Zelfportret met pet: B-1-1, 2 maart Possibly 1942 - 1943

Cor van Teeseling made this self-portrait with pencil on paper on March 2nd, during the Second World War. You know, sometimes the simplest things are the hardest. Like really looking at yourself. Here, he’s captured himself with such tenderness. It’s not just about getting the likeness right; it’s the way he’s used the pencil to suggest the soft texture of his beret, or the gentle curve of his cheek. Notice how the hatching of the pencil lines varies in direction, creating a sense of depth and form. It’s like he’s mapping his own face, exploring every contour and shadow. The overall effect is intimate. The work reminds me of Lucian Freud’s early drawings. There’s a similar intensity of observation, a commitment to capturing the truth of the subject, without any flattery or idealization. Both artists use line to describe form, but also to convey something about the inner life of their subjects. Art is about seeing and feeling, and sharing that with others.