Portret van de vrouw van Wilhelmus Johannes Steenhoff, in bed 1873 - 1932

Wilhelmus Johannes Steenhoff made this portrait of his wife in bed using pencil on paper. The marks are delicate, and the lines are like whispers, capturing a quiet moment. It feels like he’s thinking through the drawing. The texture of the paper shows through the graphite, adding a subtle grit that makes the image feel immediate. It’s cool how the thin lines build up to define her face, her gaze, and the soft curve of her hair. There's a gentle, almost hesitant quality to the drawing. Look at the way he renders her hand against her face. The light is soft, creating subtle shadows that suggest the shape of her face. This reminds me a bit of some of Paula Modersohn-Becker’s drawings, that same intimate, everyday feeling. Steenhoff’s drawing isn't about perfection; it’s about seeing and feeling, embracing the imperfections that make it real.