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Dick Ket

Self-portrait, 1925

Hands often play a prominent role in the work of Dick Ket (1902-1940), usually in a self-portrait of him holding a brush or a pencil. In this drawing, in which Ket is wearing a smart jacket with a bow tie, he has placed his hand in his (rather wild) hair. While this proverbial gesture conveys despon ... dency or desperation, the expression on his face is sooner pensive or bored. Several other drawings by Ket feature an almost identical pose, such as his 1925 Self-portrait (with hand in hair), which is presumably based on a small self-portrait that Ket drew in charcoal and chalk in 1921-1923 (both Gemeentemuseum Arnhem, now Museum Arnhem). Dick Ket’s life was cut short due to a serious heart condition. Moreover, his illness kept him homebound. He therefore derived the subjects he painted from his immediate surroundings. Around 1929, his initially loose, Impressionistic style made way for a more precise and detailed manner. Ket is known for his sober still lifes with a distinctive arrangement seen from above. Text: Evelien Verheij, collection coordinator
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Artist
Dick Ket
Title
Self-portrait
Year
1925
Technique
Pencil and chalk on paper
Size
33 x 25 cm (h x w)
Type of object
Drawing
Copyright
Uknown

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