Kop 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created this sketch, called "Kop," with pen in the early to mid-19th century. During this time, physiognomy, the pseudoscience of assessing a person's character from their outer appearance, gained traction in Europe. This idea emerged from a confluence of philosophical, scientific, and cultural influences. This sketch seems to probe at ideas of identity in this context. Tavenraat delves into the construction of the human visage, hinting at the era's fascination with linking outward appearances to inner character. It makes us think about how such theories might have influenced the way people saw themselves and others. How do you feel when you consider how your own appearance might be interpreted or judged? This sketch becomes a mirror reflecting both historical beliefs and our contemporary concerns about identity, perception, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.