Portret van Wim van Hooff 1944 - 1945

Piet Jansen created this pencil drawing, "Portret van Wim van Hooff," signed January 10, 1945. The portrait offers a glimpse into the artist's world during a time of immense upheaval. Looking at Wim van Hooff, we see a man rendered with delicate lines, a sensitive portrayal that perhaps seeks to capture not just his likeness but his spirit amidst the turmoil of war. What does it mean to create art that attempts to hold onto humanity and individuality during such a dark time? Jansen's choice of medium feels incredibly intimate. The soft gradations of graphite create a sense of depth, yet the absence of color keeps the focus on form and expression. It invites us to consider how the artist sought to represent identity and emotion within the constraints of his circumstances. This drawing stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to bear witness and to seek connection even when the world around us is fractured.