Sheet of Studies of Heads 1615 - 1641

Anthony van Dyck’s sketch of heads captures a study of human expression through its stark lines. Dominating the scene are the figures playing horns, instruments which have, since antiquity, symbolized not only joyous celebration but also divine announcement, and even martial power. Recall the horns of Jericho, whose sound, in biblical lore, led to the city's fall. Similarly, the Roman tuba signaled both military commands and solemn processions. Van Dyck's figures, caught mid-blow, evoke these dualities: are they announcing triumph or sounding a call to arms? The gesture of playing itself, the pursed lips and puffed cheeks, is a primal act, one that transcends mere musicality. Consider, too, the psychological weight: the player’s breath, their very life force, is channeled into the instrument, creating a visceral connection. It resonates, echoing across time, reminding us of the enduring human need to communicate, to celebrate, to warn. This image connects us to the past, revealing how symbols persist, evolve, and speak to our collective subconscious.