Portret van Jan Hofker 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen rendered this portrait of Jan Hofker in delicate pencil strokes. The composition, dominated by a profile view, directs our gaze along the sharp line of the nose and the soft curve of the ear. The textures vary from the smooth, shaded skin to the scratchy, energetic rendering of the hair and mustache, giving the portrait a lively yet thoughtful presence. Consider how Witsen uses hatching and cross-hatching, almost like a code, to construct form and volume. This technique not only defines the physical attributes of the subject, but also seems to engage with the broader fin-de-siècle interest in the psychological depths of the individual. The careful attention to detail, particularly around the eyes and mouth, suggests an effort to capture not just likeness but also character. Ultimately, the artwork’s strength lies in how Witsen balances formal precision with an evocative exploration of human character. The portrait invites us to contemplate the relationship between external appearance and internal essence, a theme that resonates through much of modern art.