Drie koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat sketched "Drie Koppen" with pen in brown ink on paper, presenting us with three distinct heads arranged across a blue tinted page. The immediacy of the lines captures each character with sharp, quick strokes. The composition is striking in its simplicity. The heads are not equally spaced, creating a visual rhythm that prevents the drawing from feeling static. The use of line is particularly notable. Tavenraat employs hatching and cross-hatching to define form and volume. The ink varies in darkness, adding depth and texture to the faces, whilst the stark contrast against the ground emphasizes the unique traits of each figure. This work reflects an interest in physiognomy, the study of facial features to reveal inner character. The artist presents us with faces that are deeply etched with experience. We are left to ponder the narratives behind these faces. Note how Tavenraat has signed his name with an elegant flourish, integrating it seamlessly into the composition. It is a reminder that interpretation is not fixed, but an invitation to engage with the drawing's structure and its interplay of signs.