Twee handen 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot created "Twee handen" using a sanguine crayon, a medium that lends itself to capturing the warmth and subtlety of human form. Born in Ghent, Reysschoot lived during a time when the artistic conventions of the Baroque period were evolving into the more intimate and personal expressions of the Rococo. This sketch offers a rare glimpse into the artist's process, revealing not just skill, but also his close observation of human anatomy. What does it mean to focus on hands, arguably the most expressive part of our bodies? These hands are not those of nobility or power, but rather evoke the quiet dignity of labor, the ability to create and build. In this drawing, Reysschoot invites us to consider the quiet stories told by our bodies. As you stand before this drawing, reflect on how the simple image of hands can be so evocative, reminding us of the countless untold stories carried by each person.