Studies van negen hoofden 1616 - 1657

Paulus Pontius created this print, "Studies van negen hoofden," during the 17th century, a time when the social hierarchy in Europe was very rigid. The nine faces presented here offer a glimpse into the period’s understanding of identity and representation. Pontius renders a cross-section of ages and apparent social statuses, from youthful figures to the elderly, and from the working class to the possible elite. Each is given a unique expression and distinctive features. Notice how age is signified not only through wrinkles, but also through the set of the eyes, the tension in the jawline. The presence of both male and female figures also broadens the scope of representation, yet it's important to recognize how these depictions might reflect the power dynamics and gendered stereotypes of the time. By presenting such a varied array of visages, Pontius invites us to consider the complexities of human experience. How do we read these faces? What stories do we imagine for them? The emotional depth that Pontius manages to convey serves as a mirror, reflecting back the viewer's own humanity.