Zelfportret met knijpbril 1920

Simon Moulijn created this self-portrait with pencil and paper in 1920. Moulijn was a Dutch artist who lived through immense societal change, from the late 19th century's industrial expansion to the interwar period marked by economic depression. The portrait offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s self-perception. Moulijn presents himself directly, his gaze steady behind the pince-nez glasses. There’s a certain vulnerability in the detailed rendering of his features; the subtle lines around his eyes hint at the weight of experience, a common theme for artists reflecting on the self during times of social upheaval. His choice to portray himself in such a direct, unadorned manner also speaks to a broader artistic trend of the time, where honesty and authenticity were valued over idealized representations. The delicate pencil strokes convey a sense of introspection. Ultimately, this self-portrait captures a moment of personal reflection amidst a rapidly changing world, inviting us to consider the relationship between identity, perception, and the passage of time.