Mannen- en vrouwenkoppen c. 1826 - 1888

Johannes Antonius Canta created these studies of ‘Heads of Men and Women’ with pen and brown ink, on paper during the 19th Century. The figures inhabit a world of implied narrative. The subtle use of shadow gives each face a unique depth, inviting us to imagine their stories. This work emerges from a 19th century context, where physiognomy, the assessment of character through facial features, was a popular, though problematic, science. Here, Canta seems to engage with and perhaps subvert these ideas, capturing a diverse range of expressions. Consider the contrast between the delicate lines of the female figures and the harsher, more defined features of the male figures. Are these simply observations, or are they commenting on the societal roles and expectations placed upon men and women during this period? Ultimately, Canta’s studies invites us to reflect on how we perceive identity and the stories we project onto each other.