Portret van Carel Willink c. 1930

This diminutive portrait of Carel Willink, made by an anonymous artist, is a reminder of how powerful small, unassuming objects can be. The sepia tones give it an antiquated feel, but it’s the texture that really grabs me. You can see the fibres of the paper, each tiny imperfection telling a story. I find myself drawn to the way the light catches the right side of his face, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth to the image. And the way the edges of the card are slightly worn, it speaks to a life lived, handled, and cherished. It reminds me of the work of someone like Félix Vallotton, who also had a knack for capturing the quiet intensity of his subjects. Ultimately, this portrait isn’t about perfection; it’s about the beauty of imperfection, the allure of the handmade, and the stories that objects carry with them.