Tressoor #375 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The work presents a composite portrait of four male figures arranged in a row against a dark background. Each man is depicted from the chest upwards, their faces and shoulders dominating the composition. The artist employed a muted palette primarily consisting of earthy tones – browns, greens, yellows, and creams – creating an overall somber and weathered atmosphere.
The rendering style leans towards caricature, exaggerating facial features to emphasize age and character. The man on the left displays a stern expression with deeply etched lines around his eyes; he wears a military-style cap that obscures part of his forehead. Next to him is a figure whose face appears swollen and distorted, also adorned with headwear. The central figure possesses a long beard and a straw hat, his gaze directed downwards, conveying an air of introspection or perhaps resignation. Finally, the man on the right exhibits a deeply furrowed brow and a downturned mouth, suggesting weariness or discontent.
Brushstrokes are visible throughout, contributing to the texture and immediacy of the piece. The background is loosely rendered, allowing the figures to emerge from the darkness with varying degrees of clarity. A handwritten inscription appears in the lower center of the composition; its legibility is limited but it seems to be a phrase written in an unfamiliar script.
The arrangement of the men suggests a collective portrait – perhaps representing different facets of a community or social group. The shared experience of hardship and age seems palpable, conveyed through their expressions and the overall aesthetic. The exaggerated features invite consideration of identity, resilience, and the passage of time. Theres an underlying sense of melancholy, hinting at stories untold and lives lived under difficult circumstances. The inscription adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting a personal or cultural context that remains partially obscured to the viewer.