Zelfportret met sjaal: B-1-1, 10 februari Possibly 1942

Curator: This pencil drawing, residing here at the Rijksmuseum, is titled "Self-Portrait with Scarf: B-1-1, February 10th," attributed to Cor van Teeseling, possibly from 1942. Editor: The immediate impression is one of muted introspection. The monochrome lends a certain gravitas, and the subtle shading gives a sculptural quality. Curator: Note the formal structure of the composition; the face is centralized, nearly symmetrical, lending a balanced aesthetic to the portrait. Consider how the lines converge to form the key elements of the facial structure. Editor: Yet, within this strict arrangement, there’s a palpable sense of vulnerability. The scarf almost seems to be shielding the artist, a symbolic barrier perhaps? And the way it obscures part of the face is interesting from a psychoanalytic point of view. It could be about concealing identity, or inner emotional struggle? Curator: Yes, but look closer. It isn’t merely symbolic; the soft rendering of the scarf contrasts with the somewhat harder lines defining the face. This textural difference creates a dynamic tension. The contrast is visually pleasing and conceptually interesting, speaking to artistic experimentation. Editor: Indeed. And there's something timeless about a scarf. For centuries, it has protected individuals from the cold but has also masked the wearer and, on occasion, carried monograms as emblems. Do we have records that reflect its symbolic weight in Van Teeseling’s body of work? Or perhaps something we know about Dutch society at the time that might help understand this self-image? Curator: These are very relevant questions that prompt continued research. His artistic exploration, even with simple tools like pencil on paper, exemplifies a strong visual strategy. Perhaps further material analysis of similar drawings could yield more precise insights into the emotional atmosphere present in his drawings of the era. Editor: And considering our prior discussion on the symbolism of self-portraits across periods, it also presents another compelling data point to continue deepening our understanding.