Studieblad met koppen en arceringen 1803 - 1842

Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man created this study sheet with heads and hatchings in the early 19th century. Nolthenius de Man lived during a time of significant social upheaval. The Dutch Republic had come to an end and was replaced by the Batavian Republic, which itself was followed by the Kingdom of Holland. This study sheet offers a glimpse into the artist's practice during this period. It reflects the artist's engagement with societal and individual identities. The figures depicted are not idealized but rather seem to be observations of ordinary people. The studies of heads, each with distinct features and expressions, might have been exercises in capturing human diversity. Meanwhile, the precise hatching samples suggest an exploration into the technical aspects of drawing. The juxtaposition of portraits with studies of plants and hatchings reveals an intriguing connection. Nolthenius de Man draws parallels between human subjects and botanical forms, suggesting a shared quality of growth, texture, and form. This work is more than just a study. It invites us to consider the ways in which art can reflect both personal and societal identities.