Vier ogen 1820 - 1826

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this lithograph called "Vier ogen" - meaning "Four eyes" - some time in the first half of the 19th century. It's a study of eyes, a common exercise for artists in training at the time. Art academies in 19th century Europe played a crucial role in shaping artistic taste. These institutions emphasized mastering the human form through rigorous study of anatomy and classical sculpture. This print gives us a peek into that system. Look at the detailed shading and precise rendering, skills that were highly valued. But also consider what's missing. Where is the artist's individual expression? Does the artwork reinforce the status quo? Or does it offer a new perspective? To truly understand this print, one would need to delve into the archives of art academies, read treatises on artistic technique, and compare Daiwaille's work with that of his contemporaries. Only then can we fully appreciate its place in the history of art education and its connection to the social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production.