Zelfportret: B-1-1, 11 maart Possibly 1942 - 1943

Cor van Teeseling created this self-portrait in pencil on March 11, most likely in 1942. The stark realism and intimate gaze invite us to consider the role of portraiture, especially self-portraiture, during times of conflict. Van Teeseling, a young artist in the Netherlands, made this drawing during the Nazi occupation. We see a close-up of his face, rendered with meticulous detail. The subtle shading captures the planes of his face, highlighting his thoughtful expression. Art during wartime often takes on new urgency, either as propaganda or resistance. Here, the artist seems to be asking: what is the role of the individual when the state is at war? How can art capture the emotional and psychological toll of living through conflict? Was this image made for the artist himself, or was it intended for a wider audience? Historians might consult personal letters and diaries from the time to better understand the emotional landscape of the war. The very act of creating art can be a powerful statement of defiance.