Portret van J.G. Moojen 1922

Willy Sluiter made this drawing of J.G. Moojen in pen, building the image up with delicate lines. You can almost feel Sluiter’s hand moving across the page. The surface has a beautiful, almost translucent quality. Look at the mustache – each hair is carefully rendered, yet it has a lively, almost mischievous quality. The slight asymmetry gives the portrait a dynamic feel, as if Moojen could turn and speak at any moment. The stark contrast, with its emphasis on line, reminds me a little of Matisse. It’s interesting how Sluiter uses such a simple medium to capture not just a likeness, but also a sense of character. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about what you see, but how you see it.