Gezichten van Afrikanen c. 1916 - 1945

Reijer Stolk created this untitled pencil drawing, ‘Gezichten van Afrikanen,’ on paper. It's an arresting composition of faces, characterized by bold, spare lines. The use of line is particularly striking, delineating the facial features with an economy that suggests both caricature and careful observation. The arrangement of the faces across the page creates a dynamic visual rhythm. The two frontal views and one profile offer a sense of depth, while the lack of shading flattens the image, drawing attention to the abstract quality of line itself. Notice how the lines converge and diverge to create form, and how the varying pressure of the pencil imbues the faces with a sense of vitality. Ultimately, the drawing exists as a study in representation. The artist uses minimal means to evoke complex meanings, challenging us to consider the cultural and historical context in which these images were made and viewed. The act of drawing here becomes a critical tool for understanding how we perceive and represent others.