Zelfportret van Marinus Jacobus Stucki 1846

Marinus Jacobus Stucki created this self-portrait in 1862 using watercolor and pencil on paper. The choice of watercolor as a medium lends itself to soft washes of color, seen particularly in the background and the subtle gradations of tone that give form to Stucki's face. The layering of these washes suggests a meticulous process, building depth and shadow gradually. The pencil underdrawing peeks through in places, adding a layer of texture to the final image. The texture of the paper itself plays a role, its slight grain visible beneath the paint. In a world rapidly industrializing, Stucki chose materials and processes rooted in handcraft. Unlike oil painting, which allowed for greater blending and correction, watercolor demands a certain directness. This portrait then, can be seen as a conscious embrace of the handmade, imbuing the work with an intimacy often absent in more formal portraiture. The work is a testament to the artist's skill and the enduring appeal of traditional techniques.