Portret van een heer met baard, profiel naar links 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this delicate profile drawing of a bearded gentleman, using a subtle pencil on paper. The immediate visual impression is one of minimalist elegance, where the absence of detail encourages the viewer to focus on the form. The composition employs a deliberate economy of line. Note how Dijsselhof captures the essence of his subject with only a few strokes, defining the contours of the face, beard, and shoulders. The linear elements create a sense of volume, inviting a semiotic reading where each line functions as a signifier. The bareness of the work destabilizes conventional portraiture. The drawing prompts us to consider how the artist challenges our expectations of representation. Dijsselhof's approach suggests a departure from mere imitation toward a more conceptual engagement with form. This emphasis on the structural elements of the portrait underscores how even a seemingly simple sketch can engage with broader questions.