Karikaturale kop 1890 - 1946

This is a drawing of a head made by Cornelis Vreedenburgh. Vreedenburgh lived through both World Wars in Europe, witnessing the rise of nationalism and the widespread use of propaganda. The caricature is a powerful tool, particularly in times of political and social upheaval, and can reveal underlying power dynamics. It has the ability to distort and amplify certain features, often reinforcing stereotypes about race, gender, or class. We see this play out in the exaggerated features and stark lines of this portrait. Consider how artists negotiate their own identities and social positions while commenting on others. This drawing invites us to reflect on how we perceive and represent each other, and how these representations can either perpetuate or challenge societal norms. It prompts us to think about the emotional impact these images can have, both on those depicted and those viewing them.