Zelfportret binnen cirkel c. 1944 - 1990

This is Kees Stoop's "Self-Portrait within a Circle," made with etching techniques, and it's a testament to how artists see themselves, literally and figuratively. Look at how the etching creates a grainy texture, like a memory fading at the edges. The circle frames Stoop’s face, a little like looking in a mirror. The lines aren't precious; they're raw and honest, capturing a process of self-reflection. The dense cross-hatching that defines the face and clothes gives way to the smooth, dark shape behind – is it a doorway, a shadow, a thought? That contrast between the detailed, almost obsessive mark-making in the face and the flat dark areas suggests a hidden depth, a part of himself he keeps private. Think of other artists who made etching self-portraits, like Rembrandt, and how they used line to capture the inner life. Ultimately, Stoop’s print is less about likeness and more about the layers of identity.