Portret van Jan Mensing 1782

This 1782 red chalk drawing, "Portret van Jan Mensing," by Dutch artist Johannes Cornelis Mertens depicts a man in a hat and lace collar, with a delicate and expressive line. The subject is looking directly at the viewer, creating a sense of intimacy. This portrait, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, exemplifies the skilled draftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Mertens' work. Mertens, born in 1742 and known for his portraits and genre scenes, achieved renown throughout his career.