Tekenvoorbeeld met twee hoofden 1820 - 1833

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this study of two heads, using graphite on paper, sometime before his death in 1850. It's a drawing meant to dissect and display the musculature of the human head and neck. The paper offers a neutral, slightly textured surface which allows for delicate shading and the fine lines defining the complex anatomy. Daiwaille's skill is evident in the precise rendering of each muscle and sinew, using the properties of graphite to create depth and shadow. The drawing is made through layering lines, controlled pressure, and subtle gradations. This reflects both a scientific engagement with anatomy, and the traditions of academic drawing. Works like these are part of a pre-photographic way of seeing, and recording, the body. The labor involved in such drawings is considerable. Every line represents a decision, reflecting knowledge and training, as well as the social and cultural contexts of anatomical study. We can see how the value of this drawing lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in its representation of the human form.