Zelfportret van Willem Bastiaan Tholen 1870 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen rendered this self-portrait with pencil on paper, capturing his own likeness with a striking gaze. The penetrating stare, a motif prevalent across centuries of portraiture, speaks volumes. Think of the Fayum mummy portraits where the eyes follow you, evoking the ancient Roman concept of "Oculus," the all-seeing eye that transcends death, or the piercing gaze of Byzantine icons intended to evoke divine presence. Here, Tholen looks at us, demanding acknowledgment. The beard, too, is a symbol laden with historical weight, evolving from signs of virility and wisdom in ancient cultures to badges of artistic identity and rebellious spirit in more modern times. It signifies an established persona, mirroring self-portraits by Rembrandt or Van Gogh. This image is more than mere representation, it resonates with a deep, primal connection through symbols of sight and identity, echoing through the corridors of time.