Rijtje koppen 1840 - 1880

"Rijtje koppen" (Row of Heads) is a pen and ink drawing by Dutch artist Johannes Tavenraat, dating back to the 19th century. This small-scale artwork, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts four profile portraits, showcasing Tavenraat's keen eye for detail and his ability to capture expressions with a few swift strokes. While the drawing is unsigned, the characteristic style and the artist's known work during this period confirm Tavenraat's authorship. The delicate lines and subtle shading, along with the truncated heads and close-ups, suggest that this drawing was likely a study for a larger work. Tavenraat is known for his portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes, and his sketches are a valuable window into his artistic process.