Zelfportret Possibly 1941 - 1948

Cor van Teeseling created this self-portrait with chalk. Notice the subject’s gaze, a motif that carries immense psychological weight across art history. From ancient portraiture to Renaissance masters, the direct gaze seeks to establish a connection, an almost confrontational awareness between subject and viewer. It’s a silent dialogue, a challenge, or an invitation. Think of the Fayum mummy portraits, where the deceased look out with haunting clarity, or the piercing eyes of Rembrandt’s self-portraits that seem to dissect the soul. This gaze transcends mere representation; it taps into our collective memory, the primal instinct to recognize and be recognized. It's a powerful force that engages us, stirring emotions and subconscious associations tied to identity, mortality, and the human condition. This potent symbol is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving in meaning throughout history.