Zes studies van hoofden van apostelen 1618 - 1655

Curator: This intriguing work, currently held at the Rijksmuseum, is titled "Six Studies of the Heads of Apostles" and is attributed to Cornelis Schut, created sometime between 1618 and 1655. It appears to be executed in pen and ink. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the sheer intensity of the linework. The stark contrast amplifies the dramatic expressiveness of the faces. It feels raw, almost frantic. Is this the Baroque at its most…unbuttoned? Curator: Absolutely. Notice how the repetitive study of the same head allows us to grasp the essence of the Apostle archetype. We can think of it as exploring inner conflict and spiritual determination. Editor: You can almost see Schut wrestling with form and emotion, exploring the tension between inner piety and external appearance. It is like watching a storyboard for some untold passion play, distilled into minimal strokes. Curator: These aren't mere portraits; each one encapsulates the cultural memory of these pivotal figures. Their placement almost suggests a spiritual hierarchy and the hands seem as communicative as the facial expressions, offering glimpses into each figure’s emotional state and interaction with the divine. Editor: Agreed. Looking at it from a purely formal perspective, the use of the pen seems both precise and exploratory. He uses layering of hatching and cross-hatching to create form in place of any colour modulation. Curator: Also observe that one drawing appears to be of someone reaching for what might be a chalice. Could this be a symbolic suggestion of Communion or of some other sacred rite, anchoring this study to traditional Christian symbology? Editor: It is almost certainly that, which suggests these weren’t intended as standalone sketches. It adds another layer to how the faces, when viewed sequentially, carry greater weight than just individual emotion. Curator: It leaves one pondering the weight these apostles bore. Editor: Yes, it invites us to meditate on faith, doubt, and the human condition in its most dramatic and rawest state.