Portret van mejuffrouw Wiedenbruggen 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this portrait of Miss Wiedenbruggen using charcoal and watercolor on paper. These are traditional art materials, but Veth has applied them in a way that feels quite fresh. The visible strokes of charcoal create a sense of volume, subtly defining the contours of her face and hair. Notice how the soft gradations of watercolor give the portrait an ethereal quality. This technique, of juxtaposing line and wash, was popular at the time, but Veth uses it to create an image of immediacy. Although this may appear to be a quick sketch, consider the level of skill required to achieve such a delicate balance of tones and textures. The artist demonstrates mastery of his materials, and sensitivity to his sitter. In the end, it’s all about the labor that has gone into this image. It reminds us that even seemingly effortless works of art are the result of dedicated practice and refined technique.