Twee handen 1710 - 1772

"Twee handen" or "Two Hands", was created by Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot in the 18th century. During the 1700s, artists like Reysschoot were navigating a world of shifting social structures, including entrenched class hierarchies. These sketches aren't just anatomical studies, they whisper stories of labor, of gestures, and of human connection. The hands, rendered in sanguine chalk, offer a glimpse into the emotional and physical worlds of their subjects. Were these the hands of a tradesman, roughened by labor, or those of a nobleman, accustomed to privilege? The intentionality of the artist, in capturing every line and contour, transcends mere representation. It's as if Reysschoot sought to immortalize the essence of these individuals, imbuing their hands with dignity. This piece reminds us that even seemingly simple sketches can be profound statements about identity.