Blad met koppen 1868

Johannes Tavenraat created this pen and ink drawing, titled 'Blad met koppen,' in the 19th century. During this period, the Netherlands was experiencing a time of cultural and political change, with a growing emphasis on national identity. This sheet of heads presents an array of male faces, each rendered with a focus on physiognomy. The artist seems less concerned with idealizing beauty and more interested in capturing the perceived essence of each individual. The sketches bring to mind the social theories prevalent in the 19th century, where physical appearance was often linked to character and social standing. There is an inherent tension between the desire to capture the individual and the risk of perpetuating stereotypes based on appearance. The artist leaves us to question the relationship between representation, identity, and the social gaze.