Twee koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat sketched these ‘Two Heads’ with pen in the early 19th century. Here, we observe two distinct portraits. One figure is depicted smoking a pipe. The act of smoking, historically, has been associated with contemplation and leisure. The smoke itself, rising and dissipating, can be seen as a metaphor for the transient nature of life. Consider the presence of smoke—often used in art to denote hidden truths. This connects to the depiction of smoke in allegorical paintings, where it symbolizes fleeting beauty and the ephemerality of existence. Such imagery evokes the memento mori tradition, reminding us of our mortality. The pipe, therefore, is not merely an object but a symbol laden with meaning. The psychological impact is profound. The act of smoking has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, as well as with different methods like e-cigarettes.