Verbaasde en aandachtige gezichtsuitdrukking 1692 - 1711

This undated print, "Verbaasde en aandachtige gezichtsuitdrukking," or "Surprised and attentive facial expression," was made by Pieter Schenk. Schenk, an engraver active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, captures the human face in the midst of emotional states. During Schenk's time, the study of human emotions and their representation was deeply intertwined with philosophical and scientific thought. Notice how the upper row of faces, labeled "Stuper," displays wide eyes and open mouths, conveying shock, while the lower row, "Attention et Aestimation," shows a focused, more controlled demeanor. In a society governed by strict social codes, these images might have served as a guide to understanding and controlling one's emotions. It’s intriguing to consider how these attempts to codify emotional expression intersect with individual experiences, especially for those whose identities were often marginalized or misrepresented in the public sphere. These facial expressions, captured with such precision, invite us to reflect on the complexities of human emotion.