Zelfportret: B-1-1, 11 maart - Cor van Teeseling

A precise 1942 graphite self-portrait by Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling, capturing a moment of quiet, direct observation.

This graphite study, titled Zelfportret: B-1-1, 11 maart, is a work by the Dutch artist Cor van Teeseling. Executed in 1942, the drawing captures the artist in a close-up, slightly angled perspective. The composition focuses on the facial features, with the eyes serving as the primary point of engagement. Van Teeseling employs a delicate application of graphite to define the contours of the face, nose, and lips, while using subtle shading to suggest the volume of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.

The artist's gaze is directed towards the viewer, creating a sense of directness. The hair is rendered with soft, sweeping strokes that frame the forehead, while the collar of the garment is suggested through broader, darker graphite marks at the base of the composition. The paper remains largely unworked, allowing the negative space to contribute to the overall clarity of the image. This approach reflects a disciplined technique, prioritising precision and anatomical accuracy over expressive distortion.

Van Teeseling, active during the mid-twentieth century, often produced works that demonstrate a clear interest in the human form. This specific drawing, dated 11 March 1942, provides insight into his practice during the war years. The signature and date are inscribed in the lower right corner, confirming the provenance of the piece. The work is characterised by its restraint and the clarity of its line work, which is typical of his graphic output. It is a study of self-observation, capturing a moment of quiet reflection through the medium of pencil on paper. The absence of complex background elements ensures that the focus remains entirely on the subject, allowing the viewer to observe the subtle variations in tone and the careful construction of the facial structure.