Koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this study of heads in the Netherlands, during the height of the Romantic era. The artist made this drawing in pen and brown ink. It depicts the heads of working-class men, perhaps tradesmen or farmers. Tavenraat's approach is reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch masters like Rembrandt, who also depicted common people in their drawings and etchings. In the 19th century, there was a growing interest in representing the lives of ordinary people in art, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards social realism. While the art world increasingly focused on the lives of ordinary people, academic institutions continued to promote classical and historical subjects. Artists like Tavenraat, who chose to depict everyday life, often found themselves at odds with the art establishment. By studying his drawings alongside historical documents, such as census records and trade directories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which Tavenraat worked.