Koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of heads with pen in the Netherlands in the 19th century. The artist’s focus on capturing the grimaces of his subjects reflects a broader interest in physiognomy that emerged during this period. The Dutch middle class, which formed the backbone of artistic patronage, was increasingly interested in understanding character and social status through the lens of physical appearance. This drawing might have served as a study for a larger work, or simply as an exercise in capturing fleeting expressions. To truly understand this work, we might consult Dutch periodicals from the time, exploring how social theories of class and character were visually represented and debated. Such research allows us to see Tavenraat’s drawing not just as a study of heads, but as a reflection of the social and intellectual landscape of its time.