Portret van H.J. Schimmel 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth created this undated portrait of H.J. Schimmel with a pencil on paper. The subdued gray tones and soft shading create a contemplative, almost melancholic mood. The composition is simple: a head-and-shoulders view in profile, set against a softly blurred background. Veth's formal approach conveys psychological depth by the play of light and shadow on the face and the subtle rendering of texture. This work invites reflection on the nature of portraiture itself. The artist captures not just a likeness but something of the sitter's inner life. The way Veth uses the pencil—achieving a range of tonal values and textures through hatching and blending—points to a deep understanding of the medium's expressive potential. This drawing serves as a reminder of the enduring power of simple materials, and the profound depths that can be achieved when deployed with mastery.