Panorama van fraaije neuzen 1848 - 1881

This is a lithograph entitled, "Panorama van fraaije neuzen," which translates to "Panorama of beautiful noses". It was made by Lutkie & Cranenburg. In this image, the artists present a series of caricatured faces, each distinguished by an exaggeratedly large and distinctively shaped nose. The composition and layout are reminiscent of scientific or phrenological studies that were in vogue at the time. But here they're turned to satire. Made in the Netherlands, it reflects a broader European fascination with physiognomy and the pseudo-science of judging character based on facial features. The references to different social types suggests a commentary on the rigid social hierarchy of the time. To fully appreciate the artwork, we need to know more about the artists, and more about the culture in which it was made. Looking at journals, advertisements, and other popular imagery of the period might help us better understand its cultural context. What exactly was it that the artist was trying to say?