Man in een lange mantel en hoge hoed en twee mannenkoppen Possibly 1858 - 1859

Johannes Tavenraat made this ink drawing titled, "Man in een lange mantel en hoge hoed en twee mannenkoppen," though the exact date remains unknown. Drawn in the 19th century, this study of a figure and heads gives us insight into the era's perception of masculinity and social identity. The high hat and long coat were not merely garments; they were symbols of status and authority in a rapidly industrializing Europe. The sketched faces offer a glimpse into the artist’s process, capturing nuances of expression and character. It invites us to reflect on how clothing and countenance shape our understanding of individuals and their roles within society. Tavenraat’s work, though simple in its medium, captures the complexities of identity construction. It challenges us to consider how we perform and perceive social roles, and how these, in turn, are etched onto our very beings.