Koppen 1840 - 1880

Curator: This is “Koppen,” a pen-and-ink drawing with watercolor attributed to Johannes Tavenraat, created sometime between 1840 and 1880. You can find it here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It looks like the sort of doodles I’d scribble during a particularly dull meeting—lots of interesting faces packed together on what appears to be a torn page. Makes me wonder about the artist’s mood at the time, bored or inspired, or a bit of both? Curator: Precisely! It's an exquisite example of a sketchbook page. Notice how Tavenraat uses simple lines to render diverse facial expressions and characters. The composition is dense, almost like a study in physiognomy. The sheet of paper, irregularly shaped as it is, enhances the intimacy, doesn’t it? Editor: It certainly does. The slight wash of blue adds a cool touch. It is such a contrast with the frenetic energy of the pen strokes that make up each little face. One wonders if Tavenraat meant for this to be so casual, so quickly executed. Look at the way some figures are barely there at all. Curator: I suspect that's the charm, no? This incomplete nature invites the viewer to co-create, to imagine stories and personalities for each face. The absence of formal finish emphasizes the spontaneity, focusing on pure line and form rather than narrative. Note how shading creates character, even without defined features. Editor: It makes me think of the Dutch Masters, particularly Rembrandt’s portrait studies, though clearly far more playful and immediate. Did he create each face to capture different temperaments, do you think? The gentleman with the pipe looks thoughtful. In contrast, the sharp featured man beside him is just furious. Curator: It’s plausible that these caricatures do contain something of a satire about 19th century Dutch society. Tavenraat distills various emotions down to fundamental elements. Observe how hats suggest class—a glimpse of social commentary? Editor: So this simple sketch, a seemingly unimportant piece ripped from a notebook, has many facets, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: I would. What was a small, spontaneous study became something much greater. Editor: Almost despite itself, perhaps? A small insight to the potential magic contained in simplicity.