Envelop met twee koppen 1840 - 1880

Editor: Here we have "Envelope with Two Heads", dating from 1840 to 1880 by Johannes Tavenraat, rendered in pen and ink. There's something almost… mischievous about these two character studies. They're not exactly flattering, are they? What do you make of it? Curator: You know, when I look at this, I see Tavenraat, the trickster! He's having a bit of fun. It's more than just caricature, it’s like he’s plucked these chaps straight from a vivid dream – all exaggerated features and quirky charm, you almost feel like you've met them, haven't you? But why do you describe it as mischievous? Editor: Well, the loose, quick lines, the almost cartoonish exaggeration... it feels like he's poking fun. I imagine him sketching these on a spare envelope while suppressing a giggle. Curator: Perhaps you're right, or perhaps it's affectionate. Romanticism was after all also concerned with personal expression. He has an obvious fondness for detail even in his exaggeration, especially look at the folds of that one man’s strange hat! How curious. Does that change your sense of mischief? Editor: Hmmm, maybe… I suppose there's room for warmth in a caricature too. Especially knowing this could be pulled straight from his sketchbook makes them feel so personal, don’t they? I really want to know what stories they could tell. Curator: Precisely! And perhaps that envelope form is a nod to intimacy as well, meant only for the recipient’s eyes. We’re lucky to catch a glimpse. That makes me wonder, who were Kave Hillig and Horloge? I wonder if their stories survive somewhere? Thank you, your infectious perspective has made me think. Editor: Thanks! This was a very thought provoking.