Zelfportret en face: B-1-1 Possibly 1941 - 1948

Editor: This is Cor van Teeseling's self-portrait, "Zelfportret en face: B-1-1," possibly created between 1941 and 1948, rendered in pencil. The softness of the lines creates a feeling of vulnerability. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Well, looking at the tentative dates, this piece was likely produced during or shortly after World War II. Considering this, how does the fragility of the lines and the implied vulnerability speak to the context of trauma and uncertainty pervasive at the time, not just for the artist but also for those around him? Editor: That's a great point; I hadn't considered the historical context so explicitly. The sketch-like quality, now, feels like a reflection of instability. Does his choice of self-portraiture hold a specific meaning? Curator: Absolutely. Self-portraiture becomes particularly charged when understood through the lens of identity formation during periods of crisis. How might we interpret his act of portraying himself at such a time? Could it be a quest for self-affirmation, a means of grappling with existential questions, or even an act of resistance? Consider the ways in which marginalized identities were impacted by the war and if that would explain Teeseling's urge to create art. Editor: I guess the simple act of depicting himself could be seen as asserting his existence and perspective. It highlights that even in times of widespread conflict, individual experiences and identities persist. Thanks for framing it within the context of the time period. Curator: The beauty of art lies in its capacity to both reflect and shape the narratives we tell ourselves about the past and the present. Teeseling's drawing is just a snapshot, inviting us to explore wider cultural stories about resilience, loss, and the human condition.