Portret van een onbekende man c. 1910 - 1942

This is a portrait of an unknown man, created by Cornelis Leenheer Sr. in a monochromatic palette. The subject's shoulders and head are framed by a soft, blurred background. The formal attire, the bow tie and dark jacket, contrasts with the light backdrop. The composition adheres to traditional portraiture, yet it subtly challenges established codes. The subject's gaze meets ours directly, engaging the viewer and disrupting the power dynamics typically found in such portraits. The lack of embellishment directs us to the subject's countenance, inviting contemplation on individuality and identity. The artist's use of light and shadow shapes the face, drawing our attention to the moustache and the composed expression. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to think about the individual within the structure of representation, questioning the values we assign to appearance and identity through the framework of visual art.