Hoofd van een donkere man 1698 - 1776

This head of a dark-skinned man was created by Johannes de Groot, using pen in grey-brown and black ink. At first glance, the tonal contrasts give it a striking, almost sculptural presence. De Groot has skillfully rendered the man’s features with a delicate hatching technique, giving form to the face. What’s fascinating here is how de Groot uses light and shadow, not just to define the contours of the face, but also to create a sense of depth and interiority. We can apply semiotics here, interpreting the chiaroscuro as a signifier of inner complexity. The gaze directed off to the side invites contemplation on the man's thoughts and emotions. Notice the almost scientific precision in the cross-hatching and the textural variation. It raises questions about representation, power, and the gaze. This drawing, while seemingly a straightforward portrait, is deeply embedded in the cultural and philosophical discourses of its time.