Hoofden van drie Afrikaanse mannen c. 1916 - 1945

Reijer Stolk created this sketch, 'Heads of three African men,' in graphite on paper. Notice the ethereal quality conveyed through delicate lines that define the contours of the faces. Stolk's formal approach seems less about capturing precise likenesses and more about exploring the underlying structure and form. The lines serve as a framework, almost like a skeletal structure upon which the identity of the subjects is built. The composition invites us to consider how Stolk uses the arrangement of these heads on the page, with each positioned to offer a different perspective. This arrangement destabilizes conventional portraiture, where a single, definitive view is typically presented. Instead, Stolk offers a multiplicity of perspectives, challenging the viewer to piece together a complete picture. The sketch becomes a study in form, perception, and representation. The varying viewpoints and fragmentary nature of the drawing underscore the complex interplay between the artist, the subject, and the viewer, leaving room for ongoing interpretation.