Blad met zeven koppen 1868

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, "Sheet with seven heads," using pen and ink sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The drawing is a study of different heads, likely of working-class men. At the time, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and political changes. The old Dutch Republic had been replaced by a monarchy, and there was growing tension between the wealthy elite and the working class. In this context, Tavenraat's choice to focus on the faces of ordinary people can be seen as a reflection of his interest in the social issues of his time. The faces are characterized by heavy brows, deep wrinkles, and strong jaws, suggesting a life of hard work and hardship. One figure smokes a pipe which shows that Tavenraat wanted to explore the lives of common people. By depicting the everyday people of the Netherlands, Tavenraat challenged the traditional focus of art on the wealthy and powerful. Art historians can examine this drawing alongside other works and social documents to better understand the social and cultural context in which it was created.