Hoofd van een vrouw 1912

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this print, ‘Hoofd van een vrouw’, with etching, and look, it’s just 15cm high! Looking at the direct vertical lines, I can almost imagine Schelfhout drawing with his needle, and the burr left behind creating the tones. I wonder what the model thought looking back at him? How long did she sit? Did she have any input? I like that she’s looking slightly to the side, it’s a subtle and personal moment captured. The light feels really considered. I imagine Schelfhout wanted to show something of her inner life, not just a straightforward portrait. The sharp angles of her face remind me of other artists, like Picasso, who were interested in how we really ‘see’ the world around us. We learn from each other, that’s what art is all about.