Zelfportret: B-1-1, 2 februari Possibly 1942

Cor van Teeseling made this self-portrait on February 2nd using a humble pencil on paper. There is something special about drawings, they are so immediate, such a direct trace of the hand and the artist’s thought process. Looking closely, you can see the smudges and erasures, the delicate web of lines forming the contours of his face. The paper has a smooth, almost velvety texture which softens the gradations of tone. The face emerges gradually from the blank ground, creating a sense of depth with the faintest pressure. See the way the light catches the bridge of his nose, rendered with a few economical strokes. It’s these details that give the portrait its poignancy. Thinking about other artists who worked with such delicate lines, Agnes Martin comes to mind. Both artists share a sensitivity to the subtle modulations of tone and surface. Ultimately, this simple drawing becomes a space for reflection, inviting us to contemplate the transient nature of existence and the enduring power of art.