Studie van de kop van een jong kind 1785

Reinier Vinkeles made this ‘Studie van de kop van een jong kind’ with pen in the late 1700s. It’s an ink drawing on paper, but it’s more than just an image – it's a study. Look closely, and you'll see a grid underlies each image. The artist wasn't just trying to capture a likeness; he was dissecting the proportions of a child’s head from multiple angles. The use of ink allows for precision and fine detail, necessary for such a scientific endeavor. The drawing’s social significance lies in its connection to the Enlightenment, a period that valued reason and empirical observation. Vinkeles, trained as an engraver, applied his technical skill to a pursuit of knowledge. It's interesting to note his use of measurement in this drawing. It elevates the status of the artist to not only depict the aesthetic of his subject, but to bring scientific knowledge into the art making process. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we recognize that this drawing bridges art and science, challenging traditional distinctions between the two.