Portret van dhr. B. Greeff 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth created this subtle portrait of Mr. B. Greeff using pencil on paper. The composition is immediately striking for its simplicity: a profile view encased within a lightly drawn rectangle. Notice how the delicate lines capture the sitter’s features. The beard is rendered with a feathery lightness, contrasting with the slightly heavier strokes defining the contours of his face. Veth's choice of medium enhances the intimate nature of the portrait, and the soft gradations create a sense of depth. The structural elements of the face—the brow, nose, and jawline—define the man's character. What is fascinating here is not just what is depicted, but how it is depicted. The precision of the drawing invites a semiotic reading. Every line carries meaning. The angle of the head, the set of the mouth, all contribute to a narrative. Veth encourages us to consider portraiture as a construction of identity through form and line, leaving space for our own interpretations.