Studieblad met gezichten en figuren 1844 - 1896

Willem de Famars Testas made this study sheet of faces and figures using etching. The image has visual codes and historical associations with the Dutch Golden Age. Looking at the cultural context, we can see that it may be referencing the 17th century. The costumes, ruffs, and facial hair are reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time of great economic prosperity and artistic achievement in the Netherlands, so the imagery is likely intended to evoke a sense of that era. The choice of imagery raises questions. Is Testas commenting on the social structures of his own time by looking back to a previous era? Is he self-consciously conservative or progressive? Does he critique the institutions of art by creating a study sheet rather than a finished work? As historians, we must consult primary source documents, such as letters, diaries, and financial records, to understand the social and institutional context in which this artwork was made. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.