Portret van Albert Cornelis Vreede 1896 - 1897

Jan Veth rendered this portrait of Albert Cornelis Vreede in delicate pencil on paper. The work is defined by its subtle tonality and carefully constructed composition. The subject's head, precisely positioned in the upper half of the frame, draws the eye immediately, while his suit hints at the respectability of the sitter. Veth's method underscores the formal elements of portraiture itself. Note how the meticulous strokes around Vreede’s face and beard create a sense of texture that contrasts with the smoother expanses of his coat. This contrast directs our vision, highlighting the sitter’s intellectual character. The use of line—ranging from bold outlines to softer, suggestive shading—adds dimension, creating a sense of depth that belies the flatness of the page. The sketch’s incompleteness becomes a powerful statement. It compels us to engage actively, to fill in the gaps and complete the image in our minds. This interaction illustrates how art invites dialogue and interpretation, demonstrating that meaning is not fixed but co-created.