Staande man 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot created this portrait with sanguine chalk, giving the work a warm, textured feel. The loose hatching strokes build up the figure, emphasizing the contours of the man’s jacket and the soft curls of his wig. The composition focuses on the upper body, presenting a sense of immediacy and presence. Reysschoot’s drawing captures the essence of his subject through the interplay of light and shadow. The quick strokes suggest movement, breathing life into the portrait, while the texture of the chalk adds depth. The artist’s choice of sanguine chalk is not merely a practical one; it's a deliberate aesthetic decision. The reddish-brown hue enriches the work, lending warmth and vitality to the figure, subtly engaging with historical and intellectual concerns about portraiture and representation. The sketch, with its visible lines and unfinished quality, invites us to consider the process of art-making itself.