Twee studies van een babyhoofd c. 1897 - 1910

Curator: Looking at this sketchbook page, I immediately notice the haunting presence of a disembodied baby’s face, rendered with an almost eerie realism. Editor: Yes, it’s an intriguing work. What we see here are "Two Studies of a Baby’s Head" by Willem Witsen, likely created sometime between 1897 and 1910. It's a pencil drawing currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: The effect is unsettling. The detail in the eyes—large, dark, seemingly staring right through you—contrasts starkly with the sketch-like quality of the rest of the face. It reminds me of memorial imagery or even death masks used to retain the images of loved ones in various historical cultural rituals. Editor: Absolutely. And considering the period, it's worth noting the evolving cultural anxieties surrounding childhood. Infant mortality was high. The detached rendering here can be interpreted in the context of these social realities. The child as both a precious and tragically fragile being. Curator: You know, beyond the immediate emotional response, it draws attention to the artistic process itself. There's something honest about seeing the artist at work. The pencil strokes, the visible corrections... it becomes a testament to the dedication in capturing these images, revealing layers beyond simple representation. Editor: That rawness disrupts sentimental notions about childhood. We're forced to confront the complexities of artistic creation and the fragility of life, all intertwined. And maybe how representations of childhood have historically been used for sentimental purposes. Curator: A great point, how artists, or anyone using childhood in imagery, consciously or subconsciously carry different cultural expectations when showing this image, and it adds extra layers of interpretation to consider with artwork. Editor: Indeed, so instead of merely evoking sweetness or innocence, Witsen challenges us to examine those constructs, exposing vulnerability that lingers far beyond the initial sketch. Curator: Definitely some complex social commentaries revealed through these subtle lines and composition. Editor: And that, ultimately, invites deeper reflections, connecting past, present and visual conventions around infancy.