Voorstellingen van mannen met baarden 1696 - 1727

These delicate sketches titled 'Voorstellingen van mannen met baarden', or 'Representations of Men with Beards,' were crafted by Matthijs Pool, a Dutch artist born in the late 17th century. During Pool’s time, the Dutch Golden Age was fading, but there remained a profound interest in portraiture and depictions of character. These small studies offer a glimpse into a world where masculinity was often expressed through beards, attire, and posture, signifying status and wisdom. Notice how Pool plays with orientalism through the turbans. This reflects the cultural fascination and trade relationships that shaped Dutch society. Consider the emotional depth Pool evokes. Are these men presented as figures of power, or are we invited to see something more vulnerable? The sketches encourage us to reflect on the representation of men and the cultural markers that define them.