Portrait of a man 1915

Theo van Doesburg created this 'Portrait of a Man' using ink and watercolor on paper. These materials are simple, direct, and immediate, allowing for quick execution and expressiveness. The ink lines, applied with a pen or brush, define the contours of the faces and hair, while the watercolor washes add depth and color. See how the fluidity of the watercolor contrasts with the rigidity of the ink lines, creating a dynamic tension in the composition? Van Doesburg's engagement with paper as a ground, with ink and watercolor applied, connects to the more intimate traditions of drawing and illustration, rather than, say, large-scale oil painting. The visible marks of the artist's hand, the immediacy of the materials, and the overall sketch-like quality give the work a sense of spontaneity and informality. This portrait blurs the lines between fine art and craft, challenging the conventional hierarchy of artistic mediums and practices.