Portret van Willem Bartel van der Kooi 1811 - 1886

Tjeerd Eernstman created this portrait of Willem Bartel van der Kooi using graphite. Immediately, we notice the subject's gaze, level and direct, framed by soft graphite shading that gives volume to the face and hair. The composition is structured through tonal contrasts: the dark coat against the lighter background and face, creating a visual hierarchy that draws us to the subject's expression. Eernstman uses hatching techniques to define form, building up the shadows to give a three-dimensional quality. The artist's marks serve not only to depict but also to convey the texture of the fabric and hair, enriching the visual experience. Consider how the realism challenges established meanings, shifting from idealized depictions to a more grounded portrayal. Ultimately, the formal structure serves as a framework for exploring the complex interplay between representation and reality, a dialogue that continues to evolve with each viewing.