Tressoor #382 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of an elderly woman, rendered in pastel and charcoal on a dark background. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed downwards and away from the viewer. She wears spectacles perched low on her nose, which contribute to a sense of introspection or perhaps mild discomfort. A large, intricately folded head covering dominates the upper portion of the composition, its folds and shadows suggesting both modesty and a certain formality.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy. The face is illuminated from an unseen source, highlighting the wrinkles and textures that mark age. These are not softened or idealized; instead, they are rendered with considerable detail, conveying a sense of lived experience. The skin tones range from warm ochres and pinks to deeper browns and purples, creating a complex interplay of light and shadow that gives the face depth and volume.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure, focusing attention entirely on her features and expression. It also creates a visual contrast with the lighter tones of the head covering and facial highlights. The loose, gestural quality of the charcoal strokes contributes to an overall impression of immediacy and spontaneity. There is a sense that this is not a meticulously planned portrait but rather a rapid capture of a fleeting moment.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of vulnerability in the woman’s posture and expression. Her averted gaze avoids direct engagement, hinting at a quiet reserve or perhaps a weariness born from years of experience. The head covering, while signifying tradition or religious affiliation, also creates a sense of enclosure, as if she is withdrawing into herself. The overall effect is one of dignified solitude, inviting contemplation on the passage of time and the complexities of human character.