Buste van een man en een vrouw 1760 - 1774

This is a sketch of a man and a woman, made by Antoon Overlaet in the 18th century. The artist captures the particularities of his subjects with an intimate gaze. During Overlaet’s time, the Enlightenment was shifting how people saw themselves and others. There was a growing interest in understanding human emotions and expressions, which is reflected in this drawing. The contrast between the man and woman is striking. The man’s features appear somewhat exaggerated, while the woman looks softer and more contemplative. These depictions are in line with the gendered stereotypes of the era, where men were often portrayed as more assertive and women as more gentle. The artist's choice of medium makes you feel as though you are seeing these figures unfiltered. The drawing, with its delicate lines, invites us to consider the stories and social contexts that might have shaped these individuals. It's a tender and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of people from another time.