Zelfportret met pet: B-1-1, 9 februari Possibly 1942

This drawing, ‘Self-Portrait with Cap’, was made by Cor van Teeseling, on February 9th, it’s that simple. The repetitive nature of the mark making has an interesting cumulative effect. Look how he captures his likeness with these understated, almost tentative marks. The texture of the paper becomes part of the image, catching the graphite and giving it a slightly granular feel. It’s a reminder that drawing is as much about touch as it is about sight. The lines around the eyes are what capture my attention. There’s a vulnerability there, a sense of introspection that’s really moving. Teeseling was a contemporary of the expressionist painter, Kees van Dongen. Although, this drawing feels less like a statement and more like a quiet observation. Art isn’t always about grand gestures, sometimes it’s about the subtle ways we see and understand ourselves.