Twee mannen met hoeden 1810

This image of two men wearing hats was made by Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man, using pen and ink. This choice of material has a direct impact on the artwork's aesthetic; the fineness of the pen allows for detailed linework, capturing the nuances of light and shadow with precision. The social context of this piece is tied to the culture of portraiture and the importance of attire, particularly hats, as signifiers of status. The artist's technique involves layering fine lines to build up tonal depth, creating a sense of form and texture. The cross-hatching method used to define the contours of the faces and clothing is reminiscent of traditional printmaking. Considering the amount of labor that went into this drawing invites us to reflect on its value, and its relationship to commerce. The artist has elevated a simple sketch into a statement, challenging the conventional hierarchy between fine art and more functional forms of visual expression.