Portret van Coenraat Roepel 1680 - 1748

This delicate drawing was made by Richard van Bleeck around the turn of the 18th century, using pen and brown ink with gray wash on paper. Notice the subtle tonal variations achieved through the layered washes, creating depth and volume in the figure and setting. The artist has skillfully rendered the textures of fabric, hair, and the painting surface. It is a study of another artist in the act of painting, Coenraat Roepel, whose canvas displays the early stages of a still life with flowers, a genre that speaks to the market for luxury goods in that period. This intimate portrait provides insights into the artistic process and studio practice, while also serving as a record of a specific individual and their social milieu. The drawing prompts us to reflect on the labor and skill involved in artistic production, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.