Zelfportret, 9 mei Possibly 1942 - 1949

Cor van Teeseling made this self-portrait in pencil on May 9th. It’s a drawing that feels more about the process of looking than about a fixed image. The texture of the paper is visible through the light strokes, giving it an unfinished, immediate quality. Look at the eyes, for example; they're not perfectly symmetrical, but that's what makes them feel so alive. You can almost see the artist's hand moving across the page, adjusting and readjusting, searching for the right form. The way the shadows are built up around the nose and mouth gives a sense of depth. It reminds me a little of some of the early portraits by Lucian Freud, especially in its directness and honesty. But van Teeseling’s touch is lighter, more tentative. The whole thing has a kind of vulnerability that's really compelling. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about the messy, beautiful act of trying to see.