Drie mannenhoofden, in profiel c. 1883 - 1914

Floris Arntzenius sketched "Three Male Heads, in Profile," capturing the visages with charcoal. Here, the profile—a symbol echoing through time—presents more than just a likeness. Consider the Roman emperors, immortalized in profile on coins, their power literally stamped into the collective consciousness. The profile flattens, simplifies, yet it also monumentalizes. It is an emblem of authority, or, as we see here, contemplation. Notice the downward gaze of these figures. This gesture, imbued with introspection, resonates across centuries, echoing in countless depictions of thinkers and philosophers. It's a posture of melancholy, perhaps, or deep thought, connecting these men across time and space to a shared human experience. The profile and the gaze, combined, create a powerful sense of introspection—an invitation to reflect not only on these men but also on ourselves. The cyclical nature of these visual motifs reveals how deeply connected we are to the past.