Portret van Charles Rochussen 1866 - 1928

Editor: Here we have Willem Steelink's "Portret van Charles Rochussen," dating roughly between 1866 and 1928. It's an etching, or perhaps an engraving – one of those lovely old printmaking techniques. I find it striking how immediate it feels, despite being made so long ago; you almost feel like you could know this man. What captures your eye in this piece? Curator: Oh, the dance of light and shadow, Editor, wouldn't you agree? Steelink captures Rochussen not just as a face, but as a study in character. Notice the incredibly detailed work around the eyes, etching those little lines that tell tales of a life well-lived. And that magnificent mustache! A veritable landscape of facial hair! It suggests a man of certain… flair, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Flair indeed! So you think the details really drive the impact? I also wonder about the deliberate choice of medium. Curator: Ah, the medium is the message, or so they say. In this case, the etching lends itself to a sense of immediacy and intimacy. It is more graphic. Think about a photograph of that time—polished, formal, striving for an ideal. An etching embraces imperfections and shadows—revealing character as much as likeness. Does the more informal aspect make it feel more real, more approachable? Editor: Absolutely, that contrast makes a lot of sense. Plus there’s a… softness? Almost like it could crumble like charcoal… But I’m not so sure I’d get the same feeling from a photograph. Curator: A very good point! In an age obsessed with capturing likeness, Steelink seems to be searching for something deeper. Do you notice how Rochussen’s gaze is slightly averted? Is he contemplative, or perhaps slightly melancholic? We are invited to speculate! The mark of a truly wonderful portrait. Editor: I see what you mean about the averted gaze. This really makes you look twice, which I appreciate in art! Thank you for walking me through this portrait; I hadn’t picked up on all that nuance. Curator: And thank you, Editor, for your keen observations. Every viewing unlocks a little more, doesn’t it? A good portrait is like a good poem, it resonates a little differently each time.