Portret van Jan Verkolje (II) 1683 - 1746

This is a portrait of Jan Verkolje (II) made by Nicolaas Verkolje. The drawing, with its limited palette and delicate rendering of light and shadow, emphasizes the formal qualities of line and tonal variation. The artist uses subtle gradations to model Jan Verkolje's face and clothing, giving a soft, almost dreamlike quality to the image. Note how the contrast of light and shadow defines the contours of his face and hat, drawing our eye to his gaze, which holds a gentle, introspective quality. The composition is structured around a series of soft curves, from the fall of his hair to the drape of his robe. In semiotic terms, these lines serve as signifiers of elegance and refinement. This drawing captures not just the likeness of the sitter, but also a sense of the sitter's inner world. The softness of the execution invites us to contemplate the relationship between appearance and essence, challenging the idea of a portrait as a mere representation.