Portret van Dirk Versteegh, ten halven lijve, naar links 1772

Jurriaan Andriessen made this chalk drawing of Dirk Versteegh in the 18th century. The composition is simple: Versteegh is positioned in the left half of the frame, gazing with a gentle smile, his gaze directed beyond us. Andriessen's use of chalk creates soft, diffused forms. Observe how the light delicately models Versteegh's face, contrasting with the darker background. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by muted blues, greys and whites, which lends the portrait an understated elegance. The soft rendering of light and shadow contributes to the work’s sense of depth and volume, while the limited palette focuses our attention on the subject’s expression. The drawing reflects the values of the Enlightenment, where individuality and personal expression were increasingly valued. The softness of the chalk work, combined with Versteegh's gentle expression, invites us to consider the sitter's inner life. Ultimately, the drawing embodies a moment in time, capturing the likeness and perhaps the spirit of a man from a bygone era.