Portret van Willem Kloos c. 1896 - 1984

This is a photograph of Willem Kloos by Ger Sleurs. There's a real dance happening between light and shadow, isn't there? It's not just about capturing a likeness, but about seeing how light can sculpt a face, create mood. I'm drawn to the way the light falls across his face, creating these strong contrasts. It makes me think about Chiaroscuro, that Renaissance technique where artists used light and shadow to create drama. Look at his hands, the way they're clasped, and how the light catches on the knuckles. It's almost sculptural, like Rodin working with clay. Sleurs reminds me of someone like August Sander, documenting a specific time and place, with an interest in physiognomy. But, ultimately this photograph invites us to linger in the space between what we see and what we feel.