Kop 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created this little head, or "Kop" as he called it, in the Netherlands in the mid-19th century using pen and brown ink. This work offers an intimate glimpse into Dutch society during a period of significant cultural and political transformation. It’s important to remember that the Netherlands in the 19th century was a society deeply rooted in its merchant past, but also grappling with emerging industrialization and shifts in social structures. Tavenraat, through his art, often captured the everyday life and the individual character of his subjects. While seemingly simple, this "Kop" embodies a tension between the individual and the collective, reflecting the broader societal concerns of identity and representation. To understand this work fully, scholars consult archives, historical documents, and studies of Dutch visual culture.