Portret van kunstenaar Adolf van Dijk c. 1883 - 1914

Floris Arntzenius’s drawing captures artist Adolf van Dijk in a contemplative moment using graphite or charcoal on paper. The portrait is dominated by the subject's head and shoulders, rendered with a striking economy of line. Arntzenius masterfully uses chiaroscuro effects to model Van Dijk’s features, creating depth and volume with shadow. The loose, gestural strokes surrounding the figure contrast with the more defined lines of the face. Notice the gaze is cast downward, suggesting introspection. The formal qualities of the drawing, such as the contrast between the precise facial features and the sketch-like treatment of the hair and background, create a dynamic tension that holds the viewer's attention. The artwork’s composition invites reflection on the nature of portraiture itself, questioning how much a likeness can reveal the inner life of the sitter.