Zelfportret met snor 1915

Jan Mankes made this self-portrait with a mustache as an etching; the date is unknown, but it was likely produced early in the 20th century. Etching is this amazing, time-consuming, indirect way of making a drawing. It is a real commitment! What's cool here is the amount of cross-hatching. Look closely at the network of tiny lines, like a swarm of gnats circling his face. Each mark is carefully placed, building up tone and shadow. The artist's hand feels present in every stroke, revealing the process of its making. Mankes creates a portrait that feels both intimate and a little distant. The overall effect reminds me of some of the early modern printmakers like Käthe Kollwitz. Both have this knack for conveying deep emotion through simple means. Ultimately, what makes this print so compelling is its quiet intensity, a testament to the power of art to capture something essential about the human condition.