Zelfportret 1913 - 1945

This is a self-portrait made with graphite on paper by Henk Henriët, sometime before his death in 1945. The artist has employed a simple medium, pencil, to create a likeness of himself. Graphite, though easily overlooked, is a common material with an interesting history. It's a form of carbon, like diamond, but much softer. Its primary use has long been in the making of pencils, where its capacity to leave a dark mark on paper is put to good use. Look closely, and you can see the ways in which Henriët has varied the pressure and direction of his strokes to create subtle tonal gradations. This is no mere sketch; it’s a sustained exercise in draftsmanship, a fundamental skill in artistic training. Ultimately, the unpretentious quality of the medium is crucial to the image's success. The self-portrait feels honest and direct, offering insight into the artist's inner state through the simple, time-honored act of drawing. It reminds us that profound expression can arise from the most basic materials and processes.