Twee koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created "Twee Koppen" on paper with pen in the 19th century. In it, we see two caricature heads, starkly rendered, that provide insight into Dutch society and its artistic conventions. These sketches were likely studies for larger works, reflecting the period's emphasis on preparatory drawings as integral to the artistic process, something that was instilled by the art institutions of the time. The exaggerated features and social commentary found in these "tronies" were a popular way of scrutinizing the values and characteristics of Dutch society. The inscription "Bleek aan Huis Hure" possibly references the economics of the 19th century and the lives of ordinary people. To fully appreciate these sketches, we must explore Dutch art history, 19th-century Dutch society, and the institutions that shaped artistic production. By delving into these resources, we can gain insights into the cultural and societal forces that shaped Tavenraat's art and its capacity to critique and reflect on its own time.