Zelfportret, 9 mei Possibly 1942 - 1949

Cor van Teeseling made this self-portrait on May 9th, in pencil on paper. It's a tender drawing, a kind of quiet hum, like a whisper. I imagine him looking in the mirror, moving his eyes back and forth, trying to see himself objectively, but also knowing that's impossible. It reminds me that every portrait is a negotiation between the artist, the subject, and the materials. Look how lightly he holds the pencil, allowing for a soft, almost blurry rendering of his features. The subtle gradations create a sense of depth, especially around the eyes. The way he's captured the light, with these gentle strokes, gives the drawing an almost ethereal quality, as if he's capturing not just a likeness, but also something of his inner self. It's a bit like a Hopper painting. These portraits offer a window into the artist's soul and make visible their creative process, their way of seeing the world. It's a conversation across time, a sharing of ideas, and an inspiration for our own creativity.