Zelfportret 1876 - 1908

Martinus van Regteren Altena rendered this self-portrait with charcoal and chalk, capturing more than just his likeness. The intense gaze, framed by a neatly groomed mustache, directs us to look for meaning beyond the surface. Consider the mustache itself: Throughout history, facial hair has served as a powerful signifier of identity, representing everything from virility and wisdom to rebellion and artistic expression. Think of the stoic beards of ancient philosophers or the carefully sculpted mustaches of fin-de-siècle artists. It’s a symbol that transcends eras. The penetrating eyes carry a potent emotional charge. It is a reflection on the self, exploring the depths of human emotion and the cyclical journey of self-discovery. The symbols in this artwork are not linear, but rather, they resurface and evolve.