Portret van een schrijvende doctor Paul Kempeneers 1929

This portrait of a writing doctor, Paul Kempeneers, was made in Brussels on June 1, 1929, by Otto Verhagen. It looks like a graphite pencil on paper. I can imagine Otto, the artist, in a room with the doctor, trying to capture his likeness while also conveying his concentration. The rapid, confident strokes build up the form, creating a sense of depth and shadow. The hand holding the pen is only loosely described, which suggests that the doctor is still thinking. I love the hatching marks used to define the form of his hair, which give the portrait a graphic, illustrative feel. The simplicity of the medium allows for an immediacy of expression, like a snapshot of a fleeting moment. It reminds me of the sketchbooks of many artists, which offer a glimpse into their creative process and daily lives. It’s like a little visual poem, isn’t it?