Koppen en hazen 1840 - 1880

Curator: I see a flurry of activity, a visual record of fleeting impressions. Editor: Exactly. What we have here is "Koppen en hazen", or "Heads and Hares", a graphite and ink drawing from the period of 1840 to 1880, by Johannes Tavenraat. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: It’s remarkable. It’s almost like an exercise book page. The sheer number of faces sketched on one sheet makes me wonder what purpose they were intended to serve? Were they portraits? Caricatures? Just studies? Editor: Most likely studies. It was quite common for artists of that period to create studies of faces. In terms of public perception, it really allowed the artist to consider how best to depict emotion and the human condition. These images also had influence. Images like these, studies in the language of expression, affected the public reception of acceptable emotions and political power. Curator: That’s right. And observe how each head seems to convey a distinct personality or mood. Even the way the lines are etched suggests psychological weight. Are these people that Tavenraat knew or purely products of his imagination? The image does convey the impression of a diverse cast of characters. Editor: It's really hard to tell definitively whether these were based on specific people, but their features definitely give you a feel for that time period. Looking closely, you might notice two hares at the bottom – unexpected! Animals often find their way into portraiture, though it is indeed strange to find it as a part of what seems to be mostly profile drawings. Curator: Interesting! Hares are symbolic, loaded with meanings depending on the context. Their association with fertility, the moon, and even timidity might hint at subtle layers beneath the portrait surfaces above. The quick, flowing lines give these animals an urgency. Editor: I agree, it certainly adds to the mystique and symbolism within the sheet. Seeing this displayed helps me realize how art acts as a witness, not just to major historical events, but to the evolution of everyday appearances and how people perceived one another in times gone by. Curator: I will always find endless inspiration in this humble sheet; for me, it's a playground for the mind and imagination. Thank you!