Studieblad met gezichten, een cavia en een koe 1859 - 1933

This etching titled "Studieblad met gezichten, een cavia en een koe" loosely translated as "Study sheet with faces, a guinea pig and a cow," was created by Elias Stark in the Netherlands. This print invites us to consider the artist's working methods and the social contexts that shape artistic production. Made without a specific commission, Stark's study sheet allowed him to experiment with different subjects and styles. In the absence of further information, we can only wonder if the artist was interested in exploring physiognomy, the belief that character could be determined by facial features. The inclusion of a cow and guinea pig alongside human faces might suggest an interest in comparing and contrasting different forms of life. To understand the meaning of Stark's art, we might look at the cultural and intellectual trends in the Netherlands during his lifetime. Through archival research and historical analysis, we can uncover the social conditions that influenced his artistic practice and gain deeper insight into the significance of this intriguing print.