Karikaturaal zelfportret Possibly 1941 - 1948

Cor van Teeseling made this self-portrait in pencil on paper. There is a real directness to this drawing, isn't there? It's like he's right there, staring back at you, almost challenging you. The artist's touch is so present. You can see the pressure of the pencil, the way the lines vary from light and sketchy to dark and intense, especially around the eyes. The eyes and the mouth are the most worked areas, made with a lot of graphite. The face is constructed through these soft lines, which give it an almost sculptural quality. The unfinished quality of the drawing also gives it a sense of immediacy, as if it were made in a single sitting. It reminds me of the work of Egon Schiele. Both artists share that intensity and a kind of raw honesty in their self-portraits. Ultimately, the meaning is open. It invites us to bring our own experiences and perspectives to the work, making it a truly collaborative experience.