Karikatuurportret van Willem Maris 1860 - 1899

Editor: Here we have "Karikatuurportret van Willem Maris," a charcoal drawing by Elchanon Verveer, dating somewhere between 1860 and 1899. It's... striking. He looks so bundled up, almost overwhelmed by his enormous fur coat. What strikes you when you look at this portrait? Curator: Bundled up is an understatement, isn’t it? It's like the coat is devouring him! The soft charcoal lends this gorgeous weightiness to the fur, and then the artist, bless his soul, plops this tiny hat atop poor Willem's head. Do you think Verveer liked Willem? There’s a certain... cheekiness to it all. It’s affectionate, almost, but bordering on a playful roasting. Editor: That's it exactly – playful roasting! But it's beautifully done. Look at the detail in his face, especially around the eyes. Is this portrait about more than just making fun? Curator: I suspect so. Perhaps Verveer is saying something about societal excess, the way some people hide behind symbols of wealth like that fur coat. Or, maybe he just saw a funny guy and wanted to capture that on paper! The beauty of art, isn't it? Leaving us to wonder about what stories live beyond the image itself, and how they reverberate against our own lives. What story do you think it tells about the sitter’s status and profession? Editor: I think he’s wealthy. And possibly a bit pompous. Curator: (laughs) Pompous! Yes, I can see that. A very charming sort of pompous, of course! It’s fun imagining the stories brewing behind those bushy eyebrows. Editor: It really is! Thanks, I wouldn’t have seen half of that without your insights. Curator: And thank you, for helping me see him with fresh eyes! I'm suddenly craving a steaming mug of tea, preferably served by a wonderfully pompous gentleman in an absurdly large coat!