Portret van Pieter Jelles Troelstra 1926

This portrait of Pieter Jelles Troelstra is a woodcut print made by Jacques Jeichienus Ottens. The stark contrast between the black ink and the unprinted paper really grabs your attention, doesn't it? I think about Ottens, carefully carving away at the wood block. You know, each cut has to be precise, because once it's gone, it's gone. There's a real commitment in that act. The way the lines define Troelstra's face, those strong, almost architectural lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, speak volumes. The pattern created by the lines becomes a texture, it adds depth and weight to the image. When you reduce someone down to these simple shapes, you're really getting to the heart of their character. It's about capturing a feeling, an essence, rather than just a likeness. And that’s what makes it so powerful.