Koppen 1840 - 1870

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing called 'Koppen' in the Netherlands, but we can't know exactly when. What we see are two studies of working-class male heads. Although at first sight it looks like a simple sketch, it resonates with Tavenraat’s artistic interest in representing ordinary people, influenced by the prevailing social and cultural values of 19th-century Dutch society. During that period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant socio-economic changes. The rise of industrialization and urbanization brought about shifts in social structures. In this context, art became a medium through which artists like Tavenraat explored issues of identity, class, and the human condition. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a crucial role in shaping how we perceive and interpret this artwork. Its choices in curating and presenting Tavenraat's drawing contribute to our understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Examining historical records, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews can shed light on the reception and interpretation of Tavenraat's work within its specific socio-political context.