Dubbelportret van kunstenaars Jan Toorop en Charles van Wijk c. 1883 - 1914

Floris Arntzenius captured Jan Toorop and Charles van Wijk in this charcoal drawing. Their profiles, marked by prominent beards, evoke the archetype of the wise sage, a figure revered across cultures. Consider how this motif echoes in ancient depictions of philosophers or even religious figures. Think of the flowing beards of Greek philosophers, symbols of intellect and authority. In this context, the beards become more than mere facial hair; they symbolize the artistic and intellectual prowess of Toorop and van Wijk. This association of facial hair with wisdom is not linear but cyclical. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, tapping into our collective memory and engaging us on a subconscious level with a timeless symbol of authority and intellect.