Portret van Reinier Vinkeles I, zittend in een stoel met een blad papier in de hand 1794

Jan Gerard Waldorp created this portrait of Reinier Vinkeles I around 1796 using graphite. Graphite pencils were becoming more readily available at this time, yet drawing had always been a readily accessible form of artmaking, requiring only basic, inexpensive materials. Waldorp's skillful use of graphite creates an incredibly lifelike depiction of Vinkeles, capturing his likeness and the texture of his clothing with remarkable detail. This work represents a move away from the more formal, stylized portraiture of previous eras toward a more naturalistic and intimate representation of the sitter. Drawing allowed for a more direct and immediate engagement with the subject, emphasizing the artist's hand and skill. This portrait exemplifies how artists were beginning to explore the potential of readily available materials to capture the nuances of human expression and the textures of the world around them.