Acht studies van Egyptenaren c. 1858 - 1859

Willem de Famars Testas made these eight studies of Egyptians on paper, using pencil and watercolor. The immediacy of the pencil lines allows us to see Testas's working process. The texture of the paper adds a tactile dimension, contrasting with the smooth application of the watercolor washes. The way he has depicted the figures, seemingly caught in moments of daily life, is influenced by traditions of sketching and reportage; a common practice in the 19th century to document exoticized cultures. One figure is crouched over a board, cutting tobacco. The act of labor depicted here invites us to consider the economic and social context of the scene. The quick strokes of the pencil capture the activity with a sense of authenticity, which is a striking contrast to the realities of colonial power dynamics and exoticism. Through the simplicity of materials and the directness of the artistic process, Testas invites us to consider the complex relationship between observer and observed, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.